Temperature-adaptive smart windows with passive transmittance and radiative cooling regulation

The integration of radiative cooling and thermochromic technology methods, as a passive-regulating and environmental-friendly thermal management strategy, is highly desirable in reshaping the global energy landscape. However, the multispectral modulation based on the integration methods is challenging due to their low luminous transmissive and emissivity. Herein, we propose a transmittance passive-regulating radiative cooling thermochromic(T-PRCT) smart window using nano-storm technology based on phase change material, capable of adjusting its thermal management performance according to external temperature changes. With achieved luminous transmittance of 43.11% and solar modulation efficiency of 10.64% (from 50.90% to 40.26%) respectively, along with an emissivity positive modulation(∆ε) of 0.23 (from 0.71 to 0.94) in atmospheric windows, the cooling efficiency can be up to 56.52% improvement. The design is applicable in varying climates and holds the capacity to curtail the building's annual energy-saving by over 14.74%. Consequently, the simple and scalable approach-integrated phase change material may provide a promising way to expanding the multispectral manipulation ability of optical systems. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd.