Thermochromic vanadium dioxide thin films were deposited via aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition from a precursor solution of vanadyl acetylacetonate in ethanol at 525 degrees C on to fluorine doped tin oxide coated glass substrates. A potential difference was applied between the top plate and substrate during the deposition to generate an electric field with a positive bias applied to the substrate. The films produced were analysed and characterised by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, contact angle and variable temperature UV/Visible spectroscopy. It was found that the presence of an electric field during deposition could lead to a marked change in the microstructure and functional properties of the deposited films; specifically improved wetting and thermochromic properties. An increase in field strength lead to a reduction in crystallite and agglomerate size and an increase in near infrared transmission compared to films grown without the presence of an electric field. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.