Direct growth of TiO2 nanosheet arrays on ZrO2 fibers: A coated structure for blocking thermal radiation

In this study, TiO 2 nanosheets were directly grown on ZrO 2 fibers by employing a solvothermal technique without requiring a TiO 2 seed layer, targeting thermal radiation shielding applications. The crystalline form and microstructure of the TiO 2 nanosheets were characterized using SEM, Raman, XRD, XPS, and TEM. The infrared thermal radiation extinction properties of the TiO 2 nanosheets were evaluated using DRS and effective specific extinction coefficient ( e *), and their thermal endurance at high temperatures was also assessed. The results showed that, within the infrared band of 2.5 to 8.5 μm, the TiO 2 nanosheet arrays with a thickness of 423 nm enhanced the e* of ZrO 2 fibers by 58.59 %. At similar coating thicknesses, nanosheet coatings exhibited superior thermal radiation shielding performance compared to nanoparticle coatings. These findings suggest that ZrO 2 fibers loaded with TiO 2 nanosheets are promising candidates for thermal radiation shielding in aerogels or extreme environmental conditions.