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Energy-Saving VO2 Bilayer Films with Self-Cleaning and Self-Healing for Smart Windows
Ruiwen Jiang1, Wangwang Cai1, Tanghao Zheng1
1College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 South Puzhu Road, Pukou District, Nanjing 211816, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|May 1, 2025
Summary
This study developed a stable, self-healing, and self-cleaning thermochromic vanadium dioxide (VO2) film for energy-saving smart windows. The innovative composite film enhances outdoor performance and optical regulation capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Energy
Background:
- Thermochromic vanadium dioxide (VO2) films are crucial for smart windows due to their optical regulation properties.
- Achieving persistent stability and tunable optical properties in outdoor environments remains a significant challenge for current VO2 window technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multifunctional VO2 film with enhanced stability, self-healing, and self-cleaning properties for smart window applications.
- To investigate the performance of a bilayer composite film comprising a thermochromic VO2/polymer layer and a smooth liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS) layer.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a bilayer composite film with VO2 particles dispersed in a urea-polydimethylsiloxane (uPDMS) matrix for the thermochromic layer.
- Integration of a SLIPS layer with silicone oil filling porous structures for self-cleaning properties.
- Characterization of thermochromic stability, self-healing, and self-cleaning performance.
Main Results:
- The VO2/uPDMS layer demonstrated excellent thermochromic stability due to particle entrapment within the polymer matrix.
- The composite film exhibited significant solar modulation ability (ΔTsol = 20.25%) and adequate visible light transmittance (Tlum,c = 47.78%).
- The film showcased remarkable self-cleaning (RA = 8.9°) and self-healing (healing rate = 88.48%) capabilities.
Conclusions:
- The developed bilayer composite film offers a reliable approach for fabricating stable, energy-saving smart window films.
- The combination of thermochromic, self-healing, and self-cleaning properties addresses key challenges for outdoor smart window applications.
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