| Sep 30, 2024 |
|
(Nanowerk News) In a recent review article published in Light: Science & Applications (“Phase-change VO2-based thermochromic smart windows”), Professor Dangyuan Lei and his team from the City University of Hong Kong have conducted an extensive examination of recent progress in phase-change VO2-based thermochromic smart windows. The review, emanating from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Centre for Functional Photonics, and the Hong Kong Branch of National Precious Metals Material Engineering Research Centre, offers a comprehensive analysis of VO2‘s macroscopic crystal properties, microscopic structural innovations, and elemental doping techniques.
|
|
The researchers have meticulously explored relevant fabrication methods and discussed alternative chromogenic materials that could potentially complement or surpass VO2‘s limitations in solar energy modulation. Their work systematically categorizes doping strategies for controlling VO2‘s phase transition temperature, provides an in-depth analysis of the solar modulation capabilities of inverted VO2-core-shell structures, and emphasizes practical engineering approaches. These insights offer new perspectives on developing energy-efficient VO2-based smart windows.
|
|
Professor Lei elucidates, “We explore recent advancements in phase-change VO2-based thermochromic coatings for smart window applications, encompassing macroscopic crystal properties, microscopic structural innovations, elemental doping, and advances in controllable fabrication techniques.”
|
|
The team further notes, “While core-shell nano-engineering has proven effective in enhancing the thermochromic properties of VO2-based nanoparticle films, there’s a notable lack of research into the optical characteristics of inverted core-shell structures where VO2 serves as the shell material. To address this gap, we’ve conducted a novel study on inversed core-shell structures, investigating their enhanced solar modulation potential. This fresh perspective provides valuable guidelines for significantly improving VO2-based core-shell micro/nanostructures.”
|
|
Looking to the future, they add, “Our review includes a comprehensive summary of various dopants in VO2, categorized by interstitial site, substitution site, and structural deformation. This approach allows for a more intuitive understanding of the mechanisms and factors influencing the doping process, which is crucial for future research and applications.”
|
