A study conducted by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin has led to a breakthrough in the development of smart windows using common, sustainable materials such as amylose, a natural polymer found in corn, potatoes, and beans.
“There’s an urgent need to develop novel sustainable electrochromic materials and devices with excellent properties for smart windows,” said Guihua Yu, a professor involved in the research. Yu said the use of biomass materials from everyday sources could pave the way for the widespread adoption of smart windows.
Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study focused on utilizing electrochromism, the ability to change colors, to regulate the amount of light transmitted through smart windows based on heating and cooling needs. The researchers demonstrated the device's capability to modulate light transmission by over 85% across different spectra. The technology showcased durability through weeks of exposure, cycles of use, and switches in light permeability.
Yuyang Wang, the lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher in Yu's lab, said there is an increasing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient building solutions, which has driven the market for smart windows.
The smart glass market is projected to reach $12.7 billion by 2030. Despite the growth potential, the cost of smart windows compared to traditional energy-efficient alternatives remains a barrier. With buildings responsible for a significant portion of energy consumption, the development of more efficient technologies like smart windows could contribute to reducing energy usage in the long run.
The project received support from awards and foundations, with researchers from different institutions collaborating.