Photodeposition of copper sulphide nanocrystals on titanium(IV) oxide nanorods and their application in smart windows

Rutile TiO2 nanorods (NRs) have been synthesized by a low-temperature route, using polyethylene glycol as a multi-functional agent for restricting particle growth, controlling particle shape, promoting crystallization, and dispersing particles. CuS nanocrystals were then photodeposited on the surface of the TiO2 NRs at 298 K (CuS-TiO2 NRs). CuS-TiO2 NRs exhibit strong absorption due to the interband transitions and the localized surface plasmon resonance in the visible-near infrared region. A dipole particle suspension (DPS) cell using a polydimethylsiloxane suspension of CuS-TiO2 NRs has been fabricated. This all-inorganic DPS cell exhibits a large solar transmittance change by applying an electric voltage. Application of this new type of DPS cell to smart windows would greatly help to reduce energy consumption by air conditioning systems in buildings and automobiles.