Full-frame and high-contrast smart windows from halide-exchanged perovskites

Window glazing plays an essential role to modulate indoor light and heat transmission, which is a prospect to save the energy cost in buildings. The latest photovoltachromic technology has been regarded as one of the most ideal solutions, however, to achieve full-frame size (100% active area) and high-contrast ratio (>30% variable in visible wavelength) for smart window applicability is still a challenge. Here we report a photovoltachromic device combining full-transparent perovskite photovoltaic and ion-gel based electrochromic components in a vertical tandem architecture without any intermediated electrode. Most importantly, by accurately adjusting the halide-exchanging period, this photovoltachromic module can realize a high pristine transmittance up to 76%. Moreover, it possesses excellent colour-rendering index to 96, wide contrast ratio (>30%) on average visible transmittance (400-780 nm), and a self-adaptable transmittance adjustment and control indoor brightness and temperature automatically depending on different solar irradiances. Window glazing plays a crucial role in modulating indoor light and heat transmission, which is beneficial for energy saving. Here, Liu et al. report a full-frame and high-contrast smart windows made of perovskite photovoltaic and ion-gel electrochromic components to realise self-adjusting brightness and temperature regulator.