Self-Assembly Ordered Layered Gels for Thermochromic Smart Windows With Excellent Electromagnetic Shielding Properties

Electromagnetic shielding materials offer excellent resistance to electromagnetic interference, yet their application remains constrained by single-functionality in complex environments. Herein, we fabricate a novel electromagnetic shielding smart window featuring fast-response characteristics. The proposed smart window is constructed based on a self-assembly layered gel network, which is synthesized using two-dimensional Laponite XLG and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) as the matrix, coupled with functional modification via metal ions. Metal ions doped in the system effectively enhance the electrical conductivity of the material, enabling a maximum electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE_T) of 72.49 dB. Furthermore, this unique layered architecture endows the system with enhanced stability and structural order, while simultaneously reducing mass transfer resistance associated with light transmission and heat conduction, thereby accelerating the responsive behavior of materials. Specifically, SCa-1 exhibits a luminous transmittance (T_lum) of 83.49% and a large solar modulation (ΔT_sol) of 82.57%, which achieves a rapid thermochromic response within 20 s at 60°C. This work clarifies the role of layered structural design in optimizing system stability and order, revealing the fundamental mechanisms underlying the synergy between electromagnetic shielding and thermochromic properties, which provides a novel strategy for designing smart electromagnetic protection materials.