VO2/ATO nanocomposite thin films with enhanced solar modulation and high luminous transmittance for smart windows

Developing an economic, facile strategy to prepare high-efficiency VO2-based thin films is critical to thermo-chromic smart windows. It is still challenging to simultaneously achieve high luminous transmittance (T-lum) and large solar modulation (delta T-sol). In this paper, the composites of VO2 nanoparticles and antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles are prepared to significantly boost the overall performances of the films. As compared with pristine VO2, the T-lum value of the composite films is substantially increased from 30.91% to 84.35% by 170%, while a suitable delta T(sol & nbsp;)value of 11.57% is almost maintained. Furthermore, an optimized overall performance of T-lum (60.14%) and delta T-sol (20%) is achieved. The excellent optical properties are closely related with the dispersive small particles and widened optical band gap. The results provide an effective strategy for enhanced performances of smart windows.

Automated summary

This paper develops a method to prepare high-efficiency VO2-based thin films for thermo-chromic smart windows. By preparing composites of VO2 nanoparticles and antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles, the overall performances of the films are significantly boosted, achieving high luminous transmittance and large solar modulation. The optimized overall performance is achieved with a luminous transmittance of 60.14% and a solar modulation of 20%. The excellent optical properties are closely related to the dispersive small particles and widened optical band gap.