Regulate solar irradiation with smart microshutters

Thermochromic windows have emerged as promising candidates for energy-efficient buildings owing to their passive and self-regulating characteristics. Herein, we propose thermal-deformable microshutters as smart coatings for thermochromic window applications. These microshutters employ multilayer nanomembranes, specifically utilizing a thermodeformable hydrogel layer, to synergistically combine mechanical and thermal properties. Through careful geometry design and optimizations, the microshutters can effectively obstruct light transmission at above 32 °C; meanwhile, at lower temperatures, they undergo a phase transition and roll up, enabling light to penetrate indoors. Moreover, the light transmission can be modulated by integrating supplementary color layers into the membranes to block light at specific wavelengths as required, which significantly expands the application potential of this intelligent energy-saving window.