No abstract

Vanadium dioxide (VO), as a typical thermochromic material used in smart windows, is always limited by its weaker solar regulation efficiency (ΔT) and lower luminous transmittance (T). Except for common approaches such as doping, coating, and special structure, compositing is another effective method. The macroscopic thermochromic (from colorless to blue) ionic liquid-nickel-chlorine (IL-Ni-Cl) complexes are selected in this paper to be combined with VO nanoparticles forming a composite film. This novel scheme demonstrates outstanding optical properties: ΔT = 26.45% and T = 66.44%, T = 43.93%. Besides, the addition of the IL-Ni-Cl complexes endows the film with an obvious color change from light brown to dark green as temperature rises. This splendid visible thermochromic performance makes the composite film superior in function exhibiting and application of smart windows.

Sub-second coloration of electrochromic window is realized by introducing a solid-state proton source and a tandem structure.

The (photo)electrochemical N2 reduction reaction (NRR) provides a favorable avenue for the production of NH3 using renewable energy in mild operating conditions. Understanding and building an efficient catalyst with high NH3 selectivity represents an area of intense interest for the early stages of development for NRR. Herein, we introduce a CoOx layer to tune the local electronic structure of Au nanoparticles with positive valence sites for boosting conversion of N2 to NH3. The catalysts, possessing high average oxidation states (ca. 40 %), achieve a high NH3 yield rate of 15.1 μg cm−2 h−1 and a good faradic efficiency of 19 % at −0.5 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. Experimental results and simulations reveal that the ability to tune the oxidation state of Au enables the control of N2 adsorption and the concomitant energy barrier of NRR. Altering the Au oxidation state provides a unique strategy for control of NRR in the production of valuable NH3.

Transition-metal oxide nanocrystals are novel candidates for being used as the hosts of localized surface plasmon resonance because they exhibit fascinating properties arising from the unique characteristics of their outer-d valence electrons. VO₂(M) nanocrystal is well-known due to its reversible metal-insulator transition (MIT) temperature near room temperature (∼68 °C) corresponding to the appearance/disappearance of localized surface plasmon resonance across the MIT. In this study, a microemulsion-based method was introduced to synthesize VO₂(M)@SiO₂ nanoparticles which were applied to prepare VO₂-based thermochromic foils owing to a strong and tunable surface plasmon resonance in the metallic state. The optical transmittance spectra demonstrates that the employment of surface plasmon resonance in VO₂-based thermochromic foils greatly improves their solar regulating efficiency up to 18.54%, and provides an unprecedented insight in optimizing VO₂-based thermochromic windows for solar control.

Magnetron sputtered Co-doped NiO HTLs show greatly improved hole mobility and long-term stability.

The size-controlled VO2 particles have been successfully prepared by a hydrothermal-assisted homogeneous precipitation approach for thermochromic applications.

Thermoelectric modules can directly convert the waste heat released by plants or vehicles into useful electricity, providing a clean and sustainable way to use fossil energy more efficiently. However, their...