Thermochromic smart windows have emerged as a focal point in energy research. In this study, a novel approach is introduced for developing thermoresponsive materials for smart windows, utilizing microscopic agglomeration of molecules to regulate incident light. The groundbreaking material, β-CD-Val-IBAm₄, is constructed by grafting four isobutylated valines onto natural β-cyclodextrins. This material exhibits a unique “hand-in-hand” effect, resulting from the interaction of isobutylated valine side chains, which leads to molecular aggregation and reduced light transmission at elevated temperatures. The hydration–dehydration process is related to molecular aggregation rather than crosslinking, ensuring the structural integrity and uniformity of the smart windows. Molecular dynamics simulations and 2D NOESY confirm the thermal response mechanism of β-CD-Val-IBAm₄. When dissolve in a glycerol-water binary solvent system, the material forms a thermochromic liquid with outstanding optical performance (ΔT_sol of 1 mm liquid can reach 69.8%) and long-term stability. This innovative approach opens new avenues for the advancement of next-generation smart window technologies.

中文翻译：

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专为液体智能窗户设计的“手拉手”热响应环糊精材料


热致变色智能窗户已成为能源研究的焦点。在这项研究中，引入了一种开发智能窗户热敏材料的新方法，利用分子的微观团聚来调节入射光。突破性材料β-CD-Val-IBAm ₄ 是通过将四个异丁基缬氨酸接枝到天然β-环糊精上而构建的。这种材料表现出独特的“手拉手”效应，这是由异丁基缬氨酸侧链的相互作用产生的，导致分子聚集并在高温下降低光透射率。水合-脱水过程与分子聚集而不是交联有关，确保了智能窗的结构完整性和均匀性。分子动力学模拟和2D NOESY证实了β-CD-Val-IBAm ₄ 的热响应机制。当该材料溶解在甘油-水二元溶剂体系中时，形成热致变色液体，具有优异的光学性能（1 mm液体的ΔT _sol 可达69.8%）和长期稳定性。这种创新方法为下一代智能窗户技术的进步开辟了新途径。