Tomorrow’s window glass could be photochromic and photovoltaic

Imagine window glass that changes in tint depending on sun exposure and produces electricity, too. Researchers at Irig and two international partners* are trying to develop just such a glass. A specially developed and patented naphthopyrone pigment was placed between two sheets of glass, allowing the researchers to obtain photochromic and photovoltaic effects on a 23 sq. cm piece of glass in the lab.

In terms of scaling up the technology, the partners are working on improving the colorant’s long-term stability and the speed at which it returns to its clear state when ambient light fades.  They would also like to improve the PV conversion yield, currently at 4.2%. Prototypes measuring 1,000 sq. cm should be available by 2024.

*Pablo de Olavide University (Seville) and Solaronix (Switzerland)

Contact: renaud.demadrille@cea.fr

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