Optical and Self Cleaning Properties of VO2/TiO2 Composite Thin Films as Smart Window

Abstract

As an energy-saving material with thermochromic properties, VO2 smart windows have received widespread attention in the field of building energy-saving technology in recent years. We prepared VO2/TiO2 composite powder using a one-step hydrothermal method and performed spray coating treatment. It can be observed that the obtained VO2/TiO2 composite system has a two-phase structure with good crystallization properties, without forming a complete coating. In addition, by optimizing the preparation process, the sample of VO2/TiO2 composite film exhibits a lower phase transition temperature than pure VO2, and its visible light transmittance is higher. Finally, the VO2/TiO2 composite film also exhibits high photocatalytic pollutant degradation ability and strong hydrophobicity. The self-cleaning and anti-fog functions of composite films have shown great potential for application in fields such as smart windows.