Hierarchical VO2@BiVO4 Films Decorated With Porous BiVO4 Nanoplates for Durable and Self-Cleaning Smart Windows

Journal article, 2026

VO2 is a promising thermochromic material, but it is still limited by low transparency, weak solar modulation, and poor stability. Here, we develop a coordination-compound-derived strategy to construct a hierarchical BiVO4/VO2@BiVO4 film with a core–shell@nanosheet structure. VO2@BiVO4 nanoparticles form the inner layer, whereas porous BiVO4 nanosheets assemble on the surface. This architecture provides synergistic benefits: The BiVO4 shell protects VO2 from oxidation and enhances plasmon-induced solar modulation, and the nanosheets improve visible transparency via antireflection. The composite also exhibits photocatalytic self-cleaning and antibacterial activity. It delivers 63.0% visible transmittance and 15.6% solar modulation, retaining 80% performance after 27 days at 100°C and 50% humidity. This work integrates optical performance, durability, and multifunctionality, offering a practical pathway for VO2-based smart windows.