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Infrared Plasmonic Metamaterials Based on Transparent Nanoparticle Films of In2O3:Sn for Solar-Thermal Shielding
Hiroaki Matsui1,2, Miho Shoji3, Satoko Higano3
1Department of Bioengineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|October 19, 2022
Summary
Tin-doped indium oxide nanoparticle films offer effective solar-thermal shielding by selectively reflecting near-infrared light. Controlling nanoparticle spacing and permittivity is key for designing efficient transparent, reflective materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Optics
Background:
- Three-dimensional nanoparticle assemblies exhibit unique optical properties distinct from bulk materials.
- Tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) nanoparticle films are explored for their potential in solar-thermal shielding applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the optical response of ITO nanoparticle films.
- Correlate complex permittivity with infrared reflectance for solar-thermal shielding.
- Understand the role of nanoparticle structure and composition on optical performance.
Main Methods:
- Infrared (IR) ellipsometry to identify Lorentz resonances in plasmonic metamaterials.
- Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations to correlate resonances with electric field strength.
- Varying tin dopant concentration and nanoparticle packing density.
- Effective medium approximation (EMA) analyses.
Main Results:
- Strong Lorentz resonances in ITO NP films enable selective near-IR reflection, leading to high solar-thermal shielding.
- Electric field strength at interparticle gaps is directly correlated with Sn dopant concentration.
- Near-IR reflectance is significantly enhanced by controlling NP packing density and interparticle spacing.
- Aggregated ITO NPs showed reduced solar-thermal shielding performance.
Conclusions:
- ITO NP films demonstrate excellent solar-thermal shielding due to tunable complex permittivity and strong Lorentz resonances.
- Controlling interparticle spacing and NP packing density is crucial for optimizing near-IR reflectance.
- Structural design of plasmonic metamaterials requires careful consideration of complex permittivity for transparent and reflective applications.
