Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, Vol.159, 102-111, 2017
A multi-functional textile that combines self-cleaning, water-proofing and VO2-based temperature-responsive thermoregulating
Two methods were developed by using poly dopamine (PDA) or TiO2 to integrate vanadium dioxide to textile fibers. Compared with current thermoregulating textiles using solid-liquid phase change materials (PCMs), vanadium dioxide (VO2) textiles possess longer service life, no leakage and can control solar radiation continuously with changed temperatures. Through a series of equipment characterization with such as X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and tests for laundering durability, abrasion, dirt removal, thermal regulating, vapor permeability and self-cleaning performance, two kinds of VO2 textiles with excellent thermal control performance (low-power light irradiation had no obvious effects on temperature decrease; high-power irradiation could lower the temperature of about 17 degrees C) and vapor permeability were comprehensively maintained. In addition, textile treated with (VO2@TiO2)&TiO2 multi-scale hybrid particles (VIT textile) showed super-hydrophobicity (static water contact angle was about 150), self-cleaning properties and improved durability. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.