Transparent functional nanocomposite films based on octahedral metal clusters: synthesis by electrophoretic deposition process and characterization

Abstract

Transparent optical thin films have recently attracted a growing interest for functional window applications. In this study, highly visible transparent nanocomposite films with ultraviolet (UV)-near-infrared (NIR)-blocking capabilities are reported. Such films, composed of Mo 6 and Nb 6 octahedral metal atom clusters (MC) and polymethylmethacrylate polymer (PMMA), were prepared by electrophoretic deposition on indium tin oxide-coated glass (ITO glass). PMMA was found to improve both the chemical and physical stability of Mo 6 and Nb 6 MCs, resulting in a relatively homogeneous distribution of the clusters within the PMMA matrix, as seen by microstructural observations. The optical absorption spectrum of these transparent MC@polymer nanocomposite films was marked by contributions from their Mo 6 and Nb 6 -based clusters (absorption in the UV range) and from the ITO layer on silica glass (absorption in the NIR range). Mo 6 @PMMA nanocomposite films also exhibited excellent photoluminescence properties, which were preserved even after exposure to 50°C at a relative humidity of 70% for one month. These films cumulate high transparency in the visible range with remarkable UV-NIR blocking properties and represent interesting candidates for functional glass application.

Robust, Transparent Hybrid Thin Films of Phase-Change Material Sb2S3 Prepared by Electrophoretic Deposition

“…45 As a process, it is simple, fast, and able to be applied to a variety of conductive materials, surfaces, and geometries. It has been successfully applied for developing antifog coatings, 46 photoelectrodes, 47 UV-blocking coatings for windows, 48 and anticorrosive protective coatings. 49 In EPD, the choice of solvent, the distance between the electrodes, the deposition time, and the applied voltage will affect the homogeneity of the deposited film.…”

Hexamolybdenum Clusters Supported on Exfoliated h-BN Nanosheets for Photocatalytic Water Purification

“…However, a simple two-component system containing a cluster and a support for heterogeneous photocatalysis has not been described. At the same time, cluster complexes have been often combined with various matrixes beyond graphene oxide, ,, such as MIL-101 9 and SiO 2 meso- and nanoparticles, − ,,− polystyrene, ,,,,, polyurethane, poly­(methyl methacrylate), ,− and poly­(vinylpyrrolidone) …”