ITO-free large area PDLC smart windows: a cost-effective fabrication using spray coated SnO₂on an invisible Al mesh

Abstract

Existing liquid crystal (LC) smart window technologies are yet to make inroads into the consumer market largely due to more than 50% of the cost-share by the tin-doped indium oxide...

Cost-Effective Smart Window: Transparency Modulation via Surface Contact Angle Controlled Mist Formation

“…27−29 Windows made of polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs), though are capable of controlling heat transmission, have poor UV and temperature stability due to their low glass transition temperature. 30,31 Due to the restricted backscattering in the off state, the transmittance modulation attainable between the off/on states is also minimal. 32 Instability, cyclical non-durability, particle settling, and agglomeration are all connected problems with suspended particle-based windows.…”

“…Despite having superior light control, electrochromic windows have several limitations, including the usage of expensive materials, complex production methods, and most importantly, poor stability. − Windows made of polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs), though are capable of controlling heat transmission, have poor UV and temperature stability due to their low glass transition temperature. , Due to the restricted backscattering in the off state, the transmittance modulation attainable between the off/on states is also minimal . Instability, cyclical non-durability, particle settling, and agglomeration are all connected problems with suspended particle-based windows. ,− Moreover, a steady power source is needed for both liquid crystal and suspended electrical devices. ,,− On the other hand, though the gasochromic windows are comparatively simpler to fabricate and scalable, their poor stability and switching durability remain barriers to commercialization. Furthermore, the operation demands the requirement of hydrogen and oxygen-producing sources, making the technology expensive and less power-efficient .…”

Fabrication of dual-functional electrochromic smart window based on low-cost hybrid transparent electrode coated with a solution-processable polymer

“…50 However, the process complexity, low stability, high sheet resistance, inhomogeneous electric eld distribution and low transparency limit their application in EC smart window fabrication. 51,52 Recently, self-formed crackle template-based metal mesh TCEs have emerged as a potential replacement for their counterparts due to their affordability, scalability, high stability and excellent optoelectronic properties. [51][52][53] The crackle template method has the unique advantage of achieving a very low sheet resistance (<1 ohm per square) of TCEs without compromising their transparency.…”

“…51,52 Recently, self-formed crackle template-based metal mesh TCEs have emerged as a potential replacement for their counterparts due to their affordability, scalability, high stability and excellent optoelectronic properties. [51][52][53] The crackle template method has the unique advantage of achieving a very low sheet resistance (<1 ohm per square) of TCEs without compromising their transparency. However, the bare metal mesh TCE consists of non-conducting regions that restrict its smart window applications where a uniform out-of-plane electric eld is required for switching.…”

“…However, the bare metal mesh TCE consists of non-conducting regions that restrict its smart window applications where a uniform out-of-plane electric field is required for switching. 51 It also shows less stability in a chemical environment. A thin and transparent protective layer of oxide on a metal mesh TCE could enable its smart window application.…”