Influence of incorporated particles on the optical performance of VO2 nanoparticle-based thermochromic films

• Published in: Optics communications 2025-01, Vol.574, p.131182, Article 131182
• Main Authors: Xie, Yinmo, Jiang, Peihui, Sun, Kewei, Lu, Wenlong, Ji, Yunxian, Lai, Qingzhi, Tan, Jianyu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Mixed particle system; Optical performance; Smart window; Thermochromic films; Vanadium dioxide nanoparticles
• ISSN: 0030-4018
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optcom.2024.131182

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) nanoparticle-based thermochromic films are widely used in smart windows because of their favorable thermochromic and optical properties. The introduction of additional particles into VO2 NP-based films enables the integration of their properties with those of the original films. This combination serves to modulate the optical performance of the films further. However, the impact of the incorporated particles on the optical performance of VO2 NP-based thermochromic films has not been elucidated. In this study, the influence of particles with varying refractive indices, volume fractions, and sizes, when incorporated into VO₂ NP-based films, was calculated using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The results indicate that an increase in the refractive index or the size of the incorporated particles led to an enhanced solar modulation ability (ΔTsol), albeit at the cost of reducing the luminous transmittance (Tlum). Conversely, increasing the volume fraction of the particles did not significantly enhance the ΔTsol. Additionally, the introduction of additional particles into the film further reduces the total energy consumption by a maximum of 2.6 MJ/m2 compared to VO2 NP-based films, according to EnergyPlus software analysis. Our findings offer new perspectives and recommendations for the development and practical implementation of thermochromic smart windows. •The impact of the incorporated particles on the optical performance of VO2 NP-based thermochromic films was analyzed.•The ΔTsol of the film can be enhanced by increasing the refractive index or size of the incorporated particles.•The introduction of additional particles into the VO2 NP-based film can further reduce the total energy consumption.