Thermochromic Windows Convert Sunlight into Electricity

  • Magazine Article
  • TBMG-33415
Published December 01, 2018 by Tech Briefs Media Group in United States
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  • English

Relying on advanced materials such as perovskites and single-walled carbon nano-tubes, a window technology was developed that responds to heat by transforming from transparent to tinted. As the window darkens, it generates electricity. The color change is driven by molecules (methylamine) that are reversibly absorbed into the device. When solar energy heats up the device, the molecules are driven out, and the device is darkened. When the Sun is not shining, the device is cooled back down, and the molecules re-absorb into the window device, which then appears transparent.