High-efficient smart windows enabled by self-forming fractal networks and electrophoresis of core-shell TiO2@SiO2 particles

Smart windows have played a significant role in the privacy protection and energy savings in morden architectures. However, most of those either need complicated structures to operate, or have limited switching ability. In this paper, inspired by the structural properties and performance of the natural, self-forming cracking pattern, combined with the core–shell TiO 2 @SiO 2 particles, two kinds of smart windows have been demonstrated (the “valley” and “mountain” types) based on the way these particles accumulate. We demonstrate, that the inexpensive, soft processed “valley”-type device shows on/off transmittance change as high as 41%. In addition, it has good dynamic tunability, stability, mechanical flexibility, as well as high ultraviolet and near infrared light blocking.