A CsxWO3/ZnO nanocomposite as a smart coating for photocatalytic environmental cleanup and heat insulation

Abstract

A novel Cs_xWO₃/ZnO smart coating was proposed to achieve multiple functions, such as heat insulation, photodecomposition of toxic NO gas, blocking of harmful UV light, etc. In this composite coating, Cs_xWO₃ nanorods were used as a NIR and UV light shielding material while ZnO nanoparticles were utilized as a photocatalyst and a material to enhance visible light transmittance and block UV light. When the mass ratio of Cs_xWO₃/ZnO was 1, the composite coating possessed a very good visible light transmittance of over 80% and an excellent UV-shielding ability. This novel coating showed heat insulation that is superior to the ITO coating and photocatalytic decontamination of NO gas that is superior to the standard TiO₂ (P25). The proposed Cs_xWO₃/ZnO smart coating is a promising material not only for energy saving but also for environmental cleanup.