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 thermochromic smart windows. It is still challenging to simultaneously achieve high luminous transmittance (Tlum) and large solar modulation (ΔTsol). 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 Tlum value of the composite films is substantially increased from 30.91% to 84.35% by 170%, while a suitable ΔTsol value of 11.57% is almost maintained. Furthermore, an optimized overall performance of Tlum (60.14%) and ΔTsol (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.