Core-shell VO(2)@TiO(2) nanorods that combine thermochromic and photocatalytic properties for application as energy-saving smart coatings

Vanadium dioxide (VO(2)) is a Mott phase transition compound that can be applied as a thermochromic smart material for energy saving and comfort, and titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) is a well-known photocatalyst for self-cleaning coatings. In this paper, we report a VO(2)@TiO(2) core-shell structure, in which the VO(2) nanorod core exhibits a remarkable modulation ability for solar infrared light, and the TiO(2) anatase shell exhibits significant photocatalytic degradation of organic dye. In addition, the TiO(2) overcoating not only increased the luminous transmittance of VO(2) based on an antireflection effect, but also modified the intrinsic colour of VO(2) films from yellow to light blue. The TiO(2) also enhanced the chemical stability of VO(2) against oxidation. This is the first report of such a single nanoparticle structure with both thermochromic and photocatalytic properties that offer significant potential for creating a multifunctional smart coating.