Mg‐Doped VO2@ZrO2 Core−Shell Nanoflakes for Thermochromic Smart Windows with Enhanced Performance

The VO2‐based smart windows can dynamically and reversibly adjust the indoor solar irradiation to reduce the energy consumption for building glasses. This paper reports the first successful preparation of Mg‐doped VO2@ZrO2 core−shell nanocrystals with promoted thermochromic performance as well as tunable appearance and wettability. The achieved combination of Tlum of 52.4% and ∆Tsol of 7.1% is comparable to the best‐reported results of VO2‐based core−shell rod structures. The thickness of ZrO2 shell is tunable between 3 and 14 nm, resulting in a slightly hydrophobic surface and a slight color change toward blue‐green and brighter produced films. The preparation method based on hydrothermal and UV‐curing methods is facile. This work may inspire future development of VO2 synthesis, their structure−property, and the application the thermochromic films for energy‐saving purposes in buildings or automobiles. Thermochromic smart window is promised to adaptively reduce the building energy consumption. This work reports the successful preparation of VO2@ZrO2 core−shell nanoflakes through the hydrothermal method. A composite thermochromic film is prepared based on such materials and polyurethane acrylate (PUA) matrix via UV‐curing method and is demonstrated with enhanced‐performance for the energy‐saving smart application.