Method and practice for controlling the emissivity of vanadium dioxide
Vanadium dioxide is a commonly used phase change material that reversible changes of its optical and electrical properties occur at near 68 ℃ .Since the 1990s,researchers have conducted extensive research on the optical properties of VO2,and significant progresses have been achieved in the improvement of modulation properties in ultraviolet,visible,and near-infrared regions.Currently,the development of VO2-based thermal regulation materials is mainly focused on regulating the solar radiation capabilities.The room temperature blackbody radiation heat flux is only equivalent to 15%of solar radiation,so it has received less attentions.However,the long-wave radiation in mid-to-far infrared range also plays a vital role in thermal regulation,which cannot be ignored even during the day when the solar radiation is strong.Therefore,the regulation of emissivity began to attract more and more attentions.This article focuses on the latest developments in regulation methods of VO2 emissivity and the performance regulation of thermal radiation at room temperature,and provides an outlook on its application prospect.The article points out that new structures such as Fabry-Pérot resonator and metamaterials can be combined with VO2,which greatly enriches the means of VO2 emissivity regulation,and shows a significant regulation effect on blackbody radiation energy at room temperature.VO2 emissivity regulation has great application potential for achieving energy efficient smart buildings,space thermal management and infrared camouflage.