Preparation of photoluminescent and photochromic smart glass window using sol-gel technique and lanthanides-activated aluminate phosphor

Long-persistent photoluminescent and photochromic glass material capable of changing color under UV irradiation has been produced. With the simple immobilization of alkaline earth aluminate nanoparticles, a photoluminescent translucent glass has been created by the sol-gel method. The glass substrates were shown to change color to green under UV light, as demonstrated by CIE Lab screening. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to study both morphology and composition of the phosphor nanoparticles. On the other hand, the morphologies and chemical contents of the photoluminescent glass samples were examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The mechanical behavior of the prepared luminescent glasses was studied to show better resistance to scratching in comparison to the phosphor-free glass. Aside from that, the spectrum characteristics of photoluminescence excitation and emission were examined in depth. The luminescent glass substrates had two emission intensities of 427 and 522 nm monitored upon excitation at 371 nm. Samples of luminescent glass with lower phosphor levels had rapid reversibility of photochromism, whereas those with greater phosphor contents underwent long-lasting luminosity, similar to that of a flashlight that might substitute for electrical power. Results demonstrated that the photoluminescence colorless glass substrates have improved hydrophobicity and UV shielding.