Preparation and photochromic behavior of borosilicate aluminate glass for smart window and curtain wall applications

Sunlight-induced photochromic glass exhibits attractive application prospects in the field of architecture materials. In this work, a series of borosilicate aluminate photochromic glasses containing AgCl nanocrystals were prepared. The photochromic property and mechanisms were systematically investigated. The color of the glass turned from transparent to black (or dark grey) under the irradiation of 365 nm ultraviolet light (or sunlight). Placing in a dark environment, the color of photochromic glass gradually restores to its initial state. From the results of in situ TEM and XPS measurement, it is found that the photochromic and self-bleaching behavior of borosilicate aluminate glass originated from the formation and decomposition of silver nanoparticles. Utilizing the photochromic and self-bleaching properties of the glass, the transmittance of the glass could be reversibly modulated. The cycle measurement shows excellent repeatability, demonstrating the potential application of AgCl-contained borosilicate aluminate photochromic glass in the fields of smart building windows and curtain walls.