3D mesoporous structure assembled from monoclinic M-phase VO2 nanoflakes with enhanced thermochromic performance. Issue 22 (13th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Molloro, Liboro Hundito; Tain, Shouqin; Belachew, Neway; Owusu, Kwadwo Asare; Zhao, Xiujian
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 11:Issue 22(2021)
• Page Start: 13556
• Page End: 13563
• Publication Date: 2021-04-13
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/d1ra01558c
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : Herein, 3D mesoporous structures assembled from monoclinic M-phase VO2 nanoflakes were successfully synthesized for enhanced thermochromic performance. Abstract : Monoclinic M-phase VO2 is a promising candidate for thermochromic materials due to its abrupt change in the near infrared (NIR) transmittance along with the metal-to-insulator transition (MIT) at a critical temperature ∼68 °C. However, low luminous transmittance ( T lum ), poor solar energy modulation ability (Δ T sol ), and high phase transition temperature ( T c ) can limit the application of VO2 for smart windows. To overcome these limitations, 3D mesoporous structure can be employed in VO2 films. Herein, 3D mesoporous structures assembled from monoclinic M-phase VO2 nanoflakes with a pore size of about 2–10 nm were synthesized by a hydrothermal method using Ensete ventricosum fiber (EF) as a template followed by calcination at 450 °C. The prepared film exhibited excellent thermochromic performance with balanced T lum = 67.3%, Δ T sol = 12.5%, and lowering T c to 63.15 °C. This is because the 3D mesoporous structure can offer the uniform dispersion of VO2 nanoflakes in the film to enhance T lum, ensure sufficient VO2 nanoflakes in the film for high Δ T sol and lower T c . Therefore, this work can provide a green approach to synthesize 3D mesoporous structures assembled from monoclinic M-phase VO2 nanoflakes and promote their application in smart windows.