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

The VO 2 -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 VO 2 @ZrO 2 core−shell nanocrystals with promoted thermochromic performance as well as tunable appearance and wettability. The achieved combination of T lum of 52.4% and ∆ T sol of 7.1% is comparable to the best-reported results of VO 2 -based core−shell rod structures. The thickness of ZrO 2 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 VO 2 synthesis, their structure−property, and the application the thermochromic films for energy-saving purposes in buildings or automobiles.