Optical switching and nanothermochromic studies of VO2(M) nanoparticles prepared by mild thermolysis method

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) has been widely studied due to its promising thermochromic property. VO2 nanoparticles film exhibits a unique nanothermochromic advantage with higher light transmittance (Tlum) and larger solar light transmittance modulation (∆Tsol) than continuous film. In this paper, a mild thermolysis method was developed to prepare VO2 nanoparticles with controlled size and morphology, which was then used to build the nanothermochromic films. By using vanadyl ethylene glycol (VEG) nanorods as a precursor, VO2 nanoparticles can be obtained at a thermolysis temperature as low as 250 °C within 5 min under static argon atmosphere. The VEG nanorods with uniform size and excellent dispersity were prepared from amorphous vanadium oxide nanopowders synthesized by electrochemical anodic-oxidation of vanadium target. The influence of the thermolysis conditions on the microstructure, phase transition and thermochromic properties of VO2 nanoparticles were investigated and discussed. By combining with transparent conductive substrate ITO, the VO2 nanoparticles films demonstrate an active optical switching performance, and the optimal thermochromic properties with Tlum of 48% and ∆Tsol of 11% can be achieved. [Display omitted] •Vanadyl ethylene glycol nanorods with improved uniformity were prepared.•VO2 nanoparticles were obtained at 250 °C for 5 min under static argon atmosphere.•Size and shape of VO2 nanoparticles can be regulated by thermolysis temperature.•VO2/ITO films show 48% light transmittance and 11% solar transmittance modulation.•VO2/ITO films exhibit programmable infrared switching performance.