Size-Controllable M-Phase VO2Nanocrystals for Flexible Thermochromic Energy-Saving Windows

Qingfeng Chang, Dan Wang, Zhengjing Zhao, Chen Ling, Chengzhi Wang*, Haibo Jin, Jingbo Li*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Ultrafine M-phase VO2nanocrystals with good crystallinity are desirable for highly efficient thermochromic flexible films. Herein, we report an oxygen-controlled hydrothermal method to achieve the one-step preparation of stoichiometric and size-controllable VO2(M) nanoparticles for scaled-up production. The specific ratio of oxygen intake to V ions was first determined to guarantee the acquisition of stoichiometric VO2(M). Then, the hydrothermal conditions were optimized to perform size-controllable growth of VO2(M) nanoparticles. VO2(M) nanoparticles with average particle sizes of 25, 32, 41, and 52 nm were prepared by changing the precursor solution concentration under the determined oxygen intake/V ion ratio. Smaller VO2(M) nanoparticles exhibit better thermochromic performance because a smaller size favors light transmission and promotes blue-shifting of the local surface plasmon resonance. The flexible film fabricated with 25 nm VO2(M) nanoparticles shows an excellent thermochromic performance with a solar modulation efficiency (ΔTsol) of 19.2% and a luminous transmittance (Tlum) up to 66.42%. This work proposes a simple and effective hydrothermal process producing size-controllable VO2(M) nanoparticles with low cost and scalable production and demonstrates that the size reduction of VO2(M) nanoparticles is favorable for flexible films to exhibit excellent thermochromic properties.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)6778-6785
Number of pages8
JournalACS Applied Nano Materials
Volume4
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Jul 2021

Keywords

  • VO2(M) nanocrystals
  • controllable particle size
  • flexible film
  • hydrothermal method
  • thermochromic performance

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