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Energy management

Nanorings Show Promise for Next-Generation Smart Windows

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered a way to harness the power of nanorings to dynamically regulate near-infrared (NIR) solar transmission in a passive and energy-free manner. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce solar heat gain through windows, a major challenge in the pursuit of energy-efficient buildings. The study, published in Advanced Functional Materials, used silver nanorings with NIR resonances integrated into a double-glazed format to drive reversible evaporation of a liquid overlayer, resulting in a 4 degrees C reduction in interior temperature while maintaining transparency in the visible region.

Key Takeaways:

  • Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a new approach using thermoplasmonic effects to dynamically regulate NIR light transmission in a passive and energy-free manner.
  • The method uses silver nanorings with NIR resonances integrated into a double-glazed format to drive reversible evaporation of a liquid overlayer, resulting in a dynamic shift in the local refractive index.
  • The technique is capable of blocking NIR radiation as the solar intensity varies across the day, allowing heat transmission in early morning and late afternoon but progressively blocking toward midday.
  • This technology has the potential to reduce solar heat gain through windows, a major challenge in energy-efficient buildings.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in Advanced Functional Materials, with the study titled "Thermoplasmonic Nanorings for Passive Solar-responsive Smart Windows In Energy-efficient Building Applications".
  • The findings position nanorings as promising materials for next-generation smart windows, offering dynamic spectral blocking, environmental responsiveness, and compatibility with large-area fabrication techniques.
  • Duncan S. Sutherland, researcher at Aarhus University, is available for further information on the study.

Statistics:

  • The study used silver nanorings with a diameter of 200nm.
  • The technique resulted in a 4 degrees C reduction in interior temperature while maintaining transparency in the visible region.
  • The technology is capable of dynamically blocking NIR radiation as the solar intensity varies across the day.
  • The study was published in Advanced Functional Materials, a peer-reviewed journal published by Wiley-Blackwell.

Sources:

  • "Thermoplasmonic Nanorings for Passive Solar-responsive Smart Windows In Energy-efficient Building Applications" published in Advanced Functional Materials, 2025.
  • Aarhus University, Interdisciplinary Nanosci Ctr iNANO, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus 8000, Denmark.
  • Advanced Functional Materials, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1616-3028
  • NewsRx. Study Findings on Nanorings Are Outlined in Reports from Aarhus University (Thermoplasmonic Nanorings for Passive Solar-responsive Smart Windows In Energy-efficient Building Applications). Nanotechnology Weekly. October 13, 2025; p 2380.

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