2017/07/29 by Joel P. Abraham, Abraham, Joel P.
Materials Science · #Applied Physics (physics.app-ph) #FOS: Physical sciences #Materials Science (cond-mat.mtrl-sci) #Transition Metal Oxide Nanomaterials
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1709.06944
openalex publication_date 2017/07/29 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Vanadium (IV) oxide is one of the most promising materials for thermochromic\nfilms due to its unique, reversible crystal phase transition from monoclinic\n(M1) to rutile (R) at its critical temperature (Tc) which corresponds to a\nchange in optical properties: above Tc, VO2 films exhibit a decreased\ntransmittance for wavelengths of light in the near-infrared region. However, a\nhigh transmittance modulation often sacrifices luminous transmittance which is\nnecessary for commercial and residential applications of this technology. In\nthis study, we explore the potential for synthesis of VO2 films in a matrix\nof metal oxide nanocrystals, using In2O3, TiO2, and ZnO as diluents.\nWe seek to optimize the annealing conditions to yield desirable optical\nproperties. Although the films diluted with TiO2 and ZnO failed to show\ntransmittance modulation, those diluted with In2O3 exhibited strong\nthermochromism. Our investigation introduces a novel window film consisting of\na 0.93 metal ionic molar ratio VO2-In2O3 nanocrystalline matrix,\ndemonstrating a significant increase in luminous transmittance without any\nmeasurable impact on thermochromic character. Furthermore, solution-processing\nmitigates costs, allowing this film to be synthesized 4x-7x cheaper than\nindustry standards. This study represents a crucial development in film\nchemistry and paves the way for further application of VO2 nanocomposite\nfilms in chromogenic fenestration.\n