Thermally Responsive Composite Hydrogel via Self-Assembly for Smart Window Applications

Figure 1

A schematic illustration of the thermal response mechanism of the hydrogel. At about 20°C, EPE molecules disperse in water uniformly among TRH. At initial stage, the TRH is transparent to naked eyes. When the temperature reaches the critical temperature, EPE molecules aggregate to form clusters (orange dots). The EPE clusters then scatter visible light and hydrogel appears as opaque. The phase separation process is reversible after the temperature drops below the critical value.