Films having switchable reflectivity
AssigneeKorea University Research and Business Foundation
InventorsKwangyeol LEE, Donghoon CHOI
Life of this patent
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Abstract
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.
Claims21
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;
- and
- a hydrogel within at least a portion of the nanowells.
A method for making a film, comprising
- providing a nanostructured first layer having a plurality of nanopillars that define a plurality of nanowells;
- and
- at least partially filling a plurality of the nanowells with a hydrogel.
A method for using a film having switchable reflectivity and anti-reflectivity depending on temperature, comprising:
- providing a film including a nanostructured first layer having a plurality of nanopillars that define a plurality of nanowells and a hydrogel within at least a portion of the nanowells;
- exposing the film to a first temperature that causes the hydrogel to provide a reflective surface;
- and
- exposing the film to a second temperature that causes the hydrogel to form an anti-reflective surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.