Realizing Sunlight‐Induced Efficiently Dynamic Infrared Emissivity Modulation Based on Aluminum‐Doped zinc Oxide Nanocrystals

• DOI: 10.1002/advs.202405962
• Publication Date: 2024-07-29T11:26:43Z
• Authors: Yan Jia; Dongqing Liu; Desui Chen; Yizheng Jin; Yufei Ge; Wenxia Zhang; Chen Chen; Baizhang Cheng; Xinfei Wang; Tianwen Liu; Mingyang Li; Mei Zu; Zi Wang; Haifeng Cheng
• Keywords: localized surface plasmon resonance; Science; photo‐induced; Q; 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology; infrared emissivity; Research Article

AbstractDynamic manipulation of an object's infrared radiation characteristics is a burgeoning technology with significant implications for energy and information fields. However, exploring efficient stimulus–spectral response mechanism and realizing simple device structures remains a formidable challenge. Here, a novel dynamic infrared emissivity regulation mechanism is proposed by controlling the localized surface plasmon resonance absorption of aluminum‐doped zinc oxide (AZO) nanocrystals through ultraviolet photocharging/oxidative discharging. A straightforward device architecture that integrates an AZO nanocrystal film with an infrared reflective layer and a substrate, functioning as a photo‐induced dynamic infrared emissivity modulator, which can be triggered by weak ultraviolet light in sunlight, is engineered. The modulator exhibits emissivity regulation amount of 0.72 and 0.61 in the 3–5 and 8–13 µm ranges, respectively. Furthermore, the modulator demonstrates efficient light triggering characteristic, broad spectral range, angular‐independent emissivity, and long cyclic lifespan. The modulator allows for self‐adaptive daytime radiative cooling and nighttime heating depending on the ultraviolet light in sunlight and O2 in air, thereby achieving smart thermal management for buildings with zero‐energy expenditure. Moreover, the potential applications of this modulator can extend to rewritable infrared displays and deceptive infrared camouflage.