Facile and dynamic infrared modulation of durable VO2/CuI films for smart window applications.

[Display omitted] • The first application of a transparent conductive material, copper iodide, to VO 2 -based smart windows is proposed. • Simultaneous realization of enhanced solar modulation, good environmental durability and room temperature phase transition. • Dynamic modulation of the infrared band at room temperature using Joule heat generated by electric field. • Simple structure, low cost, facile manufacture. Vanadium dioxide (VO 2) has been widely investigated as a smart window material due to its excellent thermochromic properties. However, with the increasing abundance of studies on VO 2 -based structures, its low solar modulation capability, environmental durability and high phase transition temperature have limited its commercial applications. Finding a simple way to solve the above problems simultaneously remains challenging. Here, we propose a bilayer structure combining VO 2 and a transparent conductive material, copper iodide (CuI), for functional integration of thermochromic smart windows. The CuI layer is used as an anti-reflective layer and a protective layer to ensure high solar modulation capability (Δ T sol =15.41 %) and good expected service life (ESL=27 years), while realizing the dynamic modulation of infrared spectra at room temperature by Joule heating. This facile structure with overall performance offers a new possibility for the commercialization of VO 2 -based smart windows and room temperature dynamic modulation of infrared devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]