Layer-by-Layer Alignment of Silver Nanowires for Transparent and Flexible Energy-Saving Windows

The energy consumption in buildings through the thermal radiation of windows has become a big challenge in modern life. The low mid-infrared emissivity (ε_MIR) and near-infrared blocking windows with high visible transmittance (T_vis) are highly required in modern energy-saving buildings, while most existing low ε_MIR windows are severely limited by their complex and high-cost processing conditions and could not be retrofitted to existing windows. Herein low ε_MIR foils based on aligned silver nanowires (AgNWs) fabricated via an economical solution process are reported with good energy-saving performance. The foils with aligned AgNWs give lower ε_MIR and higher T_vis compared with randomly oriented AgNWs foils. The low-cost process, high T_vis, low ε_MIR, and flexibility to apply on any surface opens a new avenue to cut down energy consumption in existing windows.