Robust low-voltage switching of polymer dispersed liquid crystals via doping BaTiO3/MPTMS/Ag nanoparticles for low-energy-consumption smart windows

Polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) could function as an energy-efficient smart window, enabling the reversible transition between transparent and opaque states when applied bias voltages. However, the requirement for high switching voltages presents a challenge, resulting in severe energy consumption that contradicts objectives for sustainable energy conservation and emission reduction. Herein, this study synthesizes barium titanate/methyltrimethoxysilane/silver (BTO/MPTMS/Ag) composites successfully and incorporates it into the PDLC, designing for the low-energy-consumption smart window. Barium titanate nanowires (BTO NWs) enhance the dielectric constant of the PDLC film, while Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) exploit localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) to amplify the local electric field. Consequently, this synergistic effect of BTO NWs and Ag NPs reduces the threshold voltage and the saturation voltage to 10 V and 19 V, corresponding to decreases of 60 % and 62 %, respectively. Significantly, experiential results confirm that the incorporation of BTO/MPTMS/Ag nanoparticles does not affect the electro-optical nature of the PDLC film adversely. The work provides a promising approach for the preparation of advanced optical devices and energy-efficient equipment.