Nanotech sheets turn windows into mirrors at the flick of a switch

Houses, offices and vehicles of the future may soon be able to save more energy with a new lower-cost, low-voltage light-control sheet that can turn windows into mirrors, and vice versa.

 

Researchers at Japan's Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) believe the electricity-run switchable mirror devices can have a wide range of applications.

 

"(Such devices are) expected to be used in a wide variety of applications, including energy-saving windows for houses, office buildings, vehicles, and trains, and electronic and optical devices, toys, and addition to existing products," AIST said.

 

But it said the researchers may still develop adaptable fabrication technologies, as well as find ways to make sure the switches are durable.

 

A separate article on Akibahara News cited a DigInfo.TV report that the new technology can lead to eco-friendly buildings and cars.

 

Such a sheet on window glass can save energy by blocking sunlight and reducing the power needed by air-conditioning systems.

 

“Until now, switching has been done with glass. But with this sheet technology, you can switch a window between transparent and mirror states simply by affixing the sheet to the window,” the DigInfo.TV report said.

 

But DigInfo.TV said the disadvantage of such electrochromic glass is that when the chromic layer heats up, energy is radiated into the room again as heat.

 

In contrast, the new system allows the control of light by reflection.

 

Also, the new system is faster than electrochromic glass, which may especially work slowly if the window is large.

 

The report said the new system can switch windows in the Boeing 787 aircraft in five seconds, compared to the electrochromic glass that may need 30 seconds to do the job.

 

How it works

 

DigInfo.TV said the new system electrolyzes moisture in the air and converts it to hydrogen. A three-volt charge can toggle between transparent and mirror states.  

 

Advantages

 

AIST said the new technology has "advantages in productivity, cost reduction, stability, and scale-up over conventional technologies."

 

A separate report on CNET said the sheet was recently shown at the 11th International Nanotechnology Exhibition and Conference in Tokyo. — TJD, GMA News