Ultra-Compliant and Tough Thermochromic Polymer for Self-Regulated Smart Windows

摘要

Smart windows have shown powerful potential in modulating sunlight and energy management. However, there has not been a single system that can simultaneously possess all desired properties, that is, high compliance, wide tunability, and autonomous regulation. Here, a novel system based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane crosslinked poloxamer is demonstrated. The as-synthesized material simultaneously possesses a number of the desired properties for smart windows. In addition, with the incorporation of gold nanorods, the as-fabricated smart window can be operated in an autonomous fashion with its transmission being modulated automatically upon environmental temperature shifts. Finally, the high toughness and high stretchability (10 000% strain) of the material also pave a way for future applications in wearable displays or flexible window screens.