Glare-Free, Energy-Efficient Smart Windows: A Pedestrian-Friendly System with Dynamically Tunable Light and Heat Regulation

The growing demand for energy-efficient buildings requires advanced smart window technologies capable of dynamically modulating solar radiation. Here, we propose a reversible electrodeposition and electrochromic mirror (RECM) system that actively controls both visible (light) and near-infrared (NIR) (heat) radiation to regulate indoor conditions while ensuring glare-free, pedestrian-friendly operation. This system achieves voltage-tunable optical transitions among three distinct modes: transparent (Mode I), visible-blocking (Mode II), and visible + NIR-blocking mirror state (Mode III). When installed in a miniature model house, the RECM effectively suppresses the indoor temperature rise by mitigating NIR penetration. The incorporation of complementary electrochromic chromophores (Prussian blue and 1,1′-diheptyl-4,4′-bipyridinium dibromide) reduces glare by absorbing visible light reflected from the mirror-side, overcoming a key limitation of conventional mirror-containing platforms that restricts their use on building façades. With adaptive solar control, enhanced energy efficiency, and pedestrian-friendly, antiglare performance, the RECM represents a promising next-generation smart window technology for sustainable urban environments.