According to media reports, American scientists developed intelligent glass allowing doors and windows to be smarter by virtue of the nanocrystal technology. An ultra-thin nano coating is embedded into the glass, which may adjust the light entering the glass as required, and achieve controllable brightness and adjustable temperature. It's expected to reduce the air-conditioning and lighting expenses of building greatly.
The core of the new technology is a re-designed electrochromic material which consists of indium tin oxide nanocrystal, and niobium oxide embedded into the glass matrix. The windows employing such technology may switch between a shading mode and a full bright mode as required, except for the capability of controlling the visible light and near-infrared light separately.
Researcher found that the cooperative interaction of the nanocrystal in a small area of glass might enhance the electrochromic effect, which means that the thickness of the coating may be further reduced on the premise of not degrading the properties. The key is that the atom connection manner of the nanocrystal glass interface results in the structural rearrangement of the glass matrix, which expands the inner space of the glass matrix, and enables charge to move, enter and exit more easily, providing a thought for the research and development of the new battery material.