Films having switchable reflectivity

摘要

Compositions, structures and methods that relate to films having switchable reflectivity and anti-reflectivity depending on ambient conditions, such as temperature. A film with switchable reflectivity and anti-reflectivity includes a nanostructured first layer having nanopillars associated with nanowells. A hydrogel occupies at least a portion of the nanowells. As the hydrogel moves from a dehydrated state to a hydrated state, the surface of the film switches from being reflective to being anti-reflective in a repeatable and reversible process.

主权项

1. A film having switchable reflectivity and anti-reflectivity depending on temperature, comprising:
a nanostructured first layer having a plurality of nanopillars associated with a plurality of nanowells, the nanostructured first layer including a first surface from which the plurality of nanowells inwardly extend; and a hydrogel within at least a portion of the nanowells that is selectively switchable between a reflective state and an anti-reflective state, wherein the hydrogel in a substantially fully dehydrated state is substantially level with the first surface to form a substantially flat reflective surface in the reflective state, and wherein the hydrogel in a substantially fully hydrated state extends beyond the first surface of the nanostructured first layer in the anti-reflective state to form a substantially anti-reflective surface defined by the nanostructured first layer and the hydrogel, wherein the anti-reflective surface includes a non-planar surface comprised of raised hydrogel regions defined by the nanowells and depressed regions defined by the nanopillars.