Scientists have developed glass that can be switched between transparent and reflective states, with the help of palladium.

Experts at the US National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (Aist) placed a four nanometre-thick layer of palladium on a glass plate containing a thin layer of magnesium-titanium alloy.

The application of the palladium layer - which was added by vacuum sputtering - created a thin film that can be switched from reflective to transparent, enabling the creation of a switchable mirror or window.

When applied to the glass, the palladium film forms a reflective surface, but exposing the glass to an atmosphere containing hydrogen but no oxygen turns the surface transparent. When exposed to an atmosphere containing oxygen but no hydrogen, the surface returns to its reflective state.

The scientists have reported that they are now looking to further develop the new thin film so that they can conserve energy simply by applying it to windows.

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