%0 Generic
%A Jiang, Fan
%A Yu, Kui
%A Kieffer, Roland
%A de Jong, Djanick
%A M. Parker, Richard
%A Vignolini, Silvia
%A Aubin-Tam, Marie-Eve
%D 2025
%T Data underlying the publication: Thermochromic Hydrogel with High Transmittance Modulation and Fast Response for Flexible Smart Windows
%U 
%R 10.4121/87510030-e06a-42fc-831b-9b8e01470bca.v1
%K Smart window
%K Thermochromism
%K Hydrogel
%K Thermo-Responsive Polymer
%X <p>Growing environmental concerns are driving demand for energy-saving strategies. Thermochromic smart windows offer a practical solution by passively regulating sunlight in homes and offices. Despite recent progress, current technologies still face challenges in achieving the thermal durability and mechanical robustness necessary for long-term use, combined with a rapid transition below 30°C. Here we report a thermochromic hydrogel assembled from poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) and 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate that produces flexible films on a large scale. This hydrogel rapidly (∆t ≈ 3 s) and reversibly becomes turbid above a tunable transition temperature spanning the human comfort zone, and maintains its thermochromic property even when mechanically stretched with 500% strain. The film’s high modulation of solar transmittance (70.6%) and luminous transmittance (85.7%) enables efficient sunlight screening in hot weather and clear vision in cool weather. Such ‘smart windows’ remain stable for over 10,000 heating/cooling cycles. These combined features indicate the hydrogel suitability for applications ranging from heat-modulating smart windows (architectural, automotive, etc.) to passive temperature indicators and even wearables.</p>
%I 4TU.ResearchData