In recent years, development of materials for multifunctional windows such as photochromic, electrochromic, piezoelectric, transparent/semi-transparent photovoltaic and luminescent solar concentrating windows have been attracting immense interest as these technologies are potentially transformational in constructing zero energy buildings and self-sustained smart cities. Dye solar windows offering workability under low light conditions thereby generating more cumulative electricity than conventional solar cells are starting to appear in real life applications. Materials for these applications require unique properties. For example, materials for luminescent solar concentrating windows should have high photoluminescence emission at a peak position matching with the bandgap of conventional solar cells and have a minimum or no self-absorption as basic requirements to generate electricity from windows. Accordingly, several materials including colloidal quantum dots, phosphors, organic dyes have been investigated. Similar requirements hold true for electrochromic, thermochromic and photochromic window applications.

This symposium focuses on the materials syntheses in the forms of nanocrystals, microcrystals, bulk materials and thin films and their structural, optical, electrical properties and theoretical calculation/modeling, and device fabrications for such applications. This symposium invites abstracts that discuss the development of various materials including different synthetic methods, characterization and properties, and device fabrications. Abstracts that address challenges associated with improving performance of these devices and theoretical modeling on materials design and device improvement are also encouraged.

devices energy generation film optical properties optoelectronic photovoltaic semiconducting simulation