Description
Chromogenic coating is a key smart window technology that will play an important role in saving energy in the near future. In this project, we propose to synthesize chromogenic and plasmonic nanomaterials to form advanced inks for printed x-chromic coatings with enhanced visible light transmission and high solar modulation by incorporating plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs). An additional objective is to achieve a synergistic effect between the plasmonic and thermochromic components to reduce the phase transition temperature of the thermochromic material (down to 25-30 °C) by using the additional energy absorbed from the solar spectrum and converted into thermal energy by the plasmonic nanoparticles. It is important to note that ND-based deposition technology (e.g. inkjet printing) allows for a significant reduction in production costs compared to traditional vacuum deposition processes and makes smart windows more affordable for building engineers and end users.
Achievable results
The main objective of this research and innovation project is to develop functional inks for cost-effective and high-performance plasmonic and thermochromic coating printing for energy-efficient Smart Windows.
Benefit
The project will provide technologies to address major challenges in the development of a resource-efficient society. This will be achieved by addressing the energy losses associated with modern window and fenestration technologies. The impact of energy production on climate change is well known and described in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. One of the most important technologies for reducing energy consumption in buildings is smart windows, which are characterised by their ability to dynamically adjust the transmittance of light radiation and solar energy through an external stimulus. In addition, additive technologies such as inkjet printing based on nanomaterial inks allow a significant reduction in raw material consumption and production energy costs compared to traditional vacuum deposition processes, and make smart window technology more environmentally friendly and affordable for both civil engineering and end-users.