Two-dimensional photonic crystals as selective filters for thermophotovoltaic applications.

The optical properties and performance of the two-dimensional photonic crystal (2D PhC) filters at normal incidence were simulated, and the best geometric parameters were obtained with the help of a global optimization program. The honeycomb structure has better performance, including high in-band transmittance, high out-band reflectance, and low parasitic absorption. The power density performance and conversion efficiency can reach 80.

Highly Efficient, Near-Infrared and Visible Light Modulated Electrochromic Devices Based on Polyoxometalates and WO Nanowires.

Over the past years the performance of electrochromic smart windows with the promising potential for significant energy savings has been progressively improved; however, the electrochromic windows have not yet to come into use at scale mainly because the electrochromic materials suffer from some significant drawbacks such as low coloration efficiency, slow switching time, bad durability and poor functionality. Herein, we fabricate the optically modulated electrochromic smart devices through sequential deposition of the crown-type polyoxometalates, KLiHPWO·92HO (PW), and WO nanowires. Unlike most reported electrochromic smart devices, the resulting PW and WO nanocomposites allow active and selective manipulation of the transmittance of near-infrared (750-1360 nm) and visible light (400-750 nm) by varying the applied potential.

WO sensitized TiO spheres with full-spectrum-driven photocatalytic activities from UV to near infrared.

To make full use of solar energy for photocatalytic reactions, in this work, we developed full-spectrum-responsive photocatalysts with noteworthy photocatalytic activities under either UV, visible or even near infrared irradiation for the photodegradation of methylene blue. The core-shell structure of TiO@WO is designed from the consideration of combining the full-spectrum photo-absorption properties of WO with the excellent semiconductor properties of TiO. As expected, the WO sensitized TiO sphere gives rise to a prominently strong optical absorption in the whole region of 300-2500 nm and thus displays desired photocatalytic properties for the full utilization of all solar energy, especially in the unexploited NIR part, which accounts for most of the sunlight.

Absorption and electrochromic modulation of near-infrared light: realized by tungsten suboxide.

In the present study, needle-like tungsten suboxide W18O49 nanocrystals were fabricated as the optical active substance to realize the aim of optical control of near-infrared light. The W18O49 nanocrystals were selected in this regard due to their unique optical performance. As revealed by the powder absorption result, the needle-like W18O49 nanocrystals show strong and wide photoabsorption in the entire near infrared region of 780-2500 nm, from which thin films with the W18O49 nanocrystal coating thus benefits and can strongly shield off almost all near infrared irradiation, whereas transmitting the majority of visible light.