A team of Chinese scientists has developed a multifunctional composite glass that can not only reduce the temperature inside a room, but also clean itself of dirt and simultaneously generate electricity to power microdevices.
A team of Chinese scientists has developed a multifunctional composite glass that can not only reduce the temperature inside a room, but also clean itself of dirt and simultaneously generate electricity to power microdevices.
This is stated in a scientific paper published on July 25 in the journal Advanced Science. An interdisciplinary team from Central South University with the participation of a number of Chinese institutes is behind the development. They managed to create a transparent glass that combines four technological functions at once: self-cleaning, blocking infrared radiation, generation and storage of energy. The system consists of four layers: a superhydrophobic coating that repels water and dust; a heat-reflecting layer that reduces heat gain; a photovoltaic layer that converts light into energy; and a supercapacitor-based storage device.
In tests, the new material reduced the temperature inside the test room by an average of 10,8°C compared to regular glass. In a day, such glass could generate up to 302 microwatts of electricity per square centimeter, which is enough to autonomously power sensors, smart home modules, meters or trackers.
In addition to the energy benefits, the new product proved to be resistant to difficult operating conditions. Even after more than 100 cycles of artificial rain and cleaning, the surface remained effective. At the same time, both the thermoregulation ability and the efficiency of energy generation were preserved. This is especially important for urban conditions, since glass contamination leads to reduced transparency, overheating of premises and loss of energy efficiency.
The study notes that the technology does not require an external power source and could be a solution to the problems associated with excessive energy consumption in cities. Scientists see prospects for its application in housing, offices, transportation and street infrastructure. The glass could also be useful for autonomous devices in remote areas where there is no stable power supply.
Currently, solar generation or energy saving systems often have a narrow purpose and are unable to combine several functions. The problem is also that most of these materials are sensitive to dust, dirt and mechanical wear, which quickly lose their effectiveness. The Chinese development combines several solutions within one composite glass and opens the way to new standards of energy-efficient architecture.
We also reported on how an international team of scientists from France, Italy, and Germany is working on a photonic quantum computer that uses glass chips and particles of light instead of electrons. The success of the project could open up new horizons in energy, medicine, and the study of the universe.
