High-throughput roll-to-roll fabrication of flexible thermochromic coatings for smart windows with VO2 nanoparticles

Abstract

VO₂-based ‘nanothermochromics’ that utilize the dispersion of VO₂ nanoparticles in a passive host matrix have been evaluated as an economic strategy of “smart” windows to reduce energy consumption for heating and air conditioning in buildings. Here, we demonstrate a high-throughput roll-to-roll fabrication of thermochromic coatings for smart windows that can adapt their optical properties in accordance with external temperature. A large quantity (250 g) of VO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) was synthesized at one time by controlled thermal treatment of bead-milled V₂O₅ NPs as a fast and inexpensive method. The amorphous nature of bead-milled V₂O₅ NPs combined with their nanometer size kinetically facilitates uniform synthesis of high-quality VO₂ NPs even under less-reducing conditions than those used to obtain bulk VO₂. This mass production of VO₂ NPs could be used to fabricate the largest thermochromic coatings with VO₂/PVP composites (12 cm × 600 cm) yet produced with excellent infrared modulation ability (∼45%). This scalable and continuous production of large coatings with thermochromic NPs will accelerate the commercialization of thermochromic coatings for smart windows, which will contribute to a large reduction in energy consumption to heat or cool buildings.