LAUSR

Abstract Multifunctional smart window coating is expected for indoor decontaminating and energy-saving, because of the highly desired for comfortable and green quality of indoor conditions. However, normal smart window coating only absorbs UV and NIR light to transform them into heat energy without maximum exploitation of solar energy. Herein, a series of unique g-C3N4@CsxWO3 nanocomposites are prepared via ultrasonic assisted strategy, exhibiting great ultraviolet (UV) isolating, visible light (Vis) penetrating and near-infrared (NIR) heat-shielding features which is superior over that of tin-doped indium oxide (ITO). More importantly, these composites display excellent VOCs (HCHO or/and toluene) decomposing properties under the full spectrum of UV, visible and NIR lights irradiation. In this case, the shielded NIR light by composites is further utilized instead of wasting as heat. On the other hand, deep analysis revealed that the high efficiency of photocatalytic decomposing of VOCs by g-C3N4@CsxWO3 nanocomposites depends on two sides: firstly, g-C3N4@CsxWO3 constructs a nice Z-scheme structure to promote the separation of charge carriers and then enhance photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) effectively; secondly, the small polaron can jump from localized states (LS) to conduction band (CB) of CsxWO3 under irradiation of NIR (730 nm–1100 nm) and result in a NIR-catalytic reduction. This work provides some indications into the fabrication of the energy-conservation and depollution catalysts as smart window coating with excellent optical characterization and photocatalysis performance.