One-step electrospinning PMMA-SPO with hierarchical architectures as a multi-functional transparent screen window

Abstract

The development of a smart window and its accessories based on the notion of adaptability to provide somatoform and visual comfort plays a critical role in enhancing indoor quality. In particular, multi-functional intelligent-response window systems have inestimable prospects. In this work, a parallel grille window was selected as a collector on which to deposit electrospun PMMA-SPO fibers. Through regulating the PMMA concentration, we attained a hierarchical architecture composed of oriented fibers associated with microspheres by one-step electrospinning. The formation of microspheres was attributed to the surface layer of turbulent flow being separated under the action of a tangential force in the case of low viscosity, while the main jet-flow was stretched to form continuous fibers. With increasing PMMA concentration, the surface turbulence tended to be stable, so the microspheres disappeared and only nanofibers were obtained. Additionally, the achieved transparent PMMA-SPO screen window showed excellent photochromic properties where ΔE reached 15.56 after 100 s of ultraviolet radiation and high air filtration efficiency with a QF of 0.0274 Pa⁻¹. Most importantly, under the simulated condition of moderate rain, the screen window provided excellent waterproof performance with a superior water-transportation capacity of 93.33%. Therefore, we anticipate that this fascinating multifunctional screen window as a temperature indicator, air filter and rainproof barrier would facilitate the implementation of controlling indoor comfort quality and environment cleanup.