New Breakthrough in Thermochromic Perovskite Smart Windows: Enhanced Durability and Reduced Optical Haze

A groundbreaking study on thermochromic smart windows titled “Mask-Inspired Moisture-Transmitting and Durable Thermochromic Perovskite Smart Windows” has recently been published in Nature Communications. This research addresses the two main challenges hindering the development of thermochromic perovskite smart windows, namely, poor durability and optical blurriness. Prof. Edwin TSO, one of the corresponding authors of the paper, highlights that the study's findings significantly advance the practical application of thermochromic perovskite smart windows.

Thermochromic perovskite smart windows represent a cutting-edge and energy-efficient window technology. However, their practicality is hindered by the degradation caused by humidity, a common issue with perovskite-based devices. Drawing inspiration from the structure of medical masks during the pandemic, Professor TSO and his team have developed a unique triple-layer thermochromic perovskite window (MTPW). The MTPW design enables efficient water vapor transmission to trigger thermochromism while effectively repelling detrimental water and moisture, thereby extending its lifespan. Notably, the MTPW the unique tri-layer structure can also mitigate the roughness of the perovskite surface and suppress random light scattering, effectively overcoming the blurriness problem associated with thermochromic perovskite windows. Professor TSO emphasizes, “With improved optical performance, an extended lifespan, and easy fabrication, the MTPW holds great potential for widespread applications of smart windows in green buildings.”