Nano-composite thermochromic thin films and their application in energy-efficient glazing

A hybrid atmospheric pressure and aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition strategy is presented as a facile route for the production of vanadium dioxide nano-composite thin films. The effect of the inclusion of gold nanoparticles and the use of a surfactant molecule, tetraoctylammonium bromide, is discussed. The films were fully characterised using a wide variety of techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV/vis/NIR spectroscopy. It is shown that micro-structural changes brought about by careful control of film growth conditions, and/or the use of surfactant, lead to an enhancement of thermochromic properties. Gold nanoparticle incorporation leads to a significant change in the colour of the films from a yellow-brown colour to a variety of greens and blues depending on the gold nanoparticle concentration. The films become more reflective in the infra-red with increased gold nanoparticle incorporation. Optical data are used in energy modelling studies to elucidate the film potential as an energy-saving coating in architectural glazing. The energy modelling results suggest that for warmer climates the thermochromic nano-composites investigated here lead to significant energy savings when compared with plain glass and other standard industry products. © 2009 Elsevier B.V.