Photodeposition of copper sulphidenanocrystals on titanium(iv) oxidenanorods and their application in smart windows

Abstract

Rutile TiO₂ nanorods (NRs) have been synthesized by a low-temperature route, using polyethylene glycol as a multi-functional agent for restricting particle growth, controlling particle shape, promoting crystallization, and dispersing particles. CuS nanocrystals were then photodeposited on the surface of the TiO₂ NRs at 298 K (CuS–TiO₂ NRs). CuS–TiO₂ NRs exhibit strong absorption due to the interband transitions and the localized surface plasmon resonance in the visible-near infrared region. A dipole particle suspension (DPS) cell using a polydimethylsiloxane suspension of CuS–TiO₂ NRs has been fabricated. This all-inorganic DPS cell exhibits a large solar transmittance change by applying an electric voltage. Application of this new type of DPS cell to smart windows would greatly help to reduce energy consumption by air conditioning systems in buildings and automobiles.