Fabrication of vanadium dioxide thin films and application of its thermochromic and photochromic nature in self-cleaning: A review

Vanadium dioxide (VO₂) and many binary compounds of vanadium can transform from a semiconducting state to a metallic state under the influence of temperature or light. The transformation is triggered by modifications in the oxide's crystalline structure, often initiated by changes in its light-sensing and electrical attributes. This ability makes them suitable for smart coatings, electronic switches, self-cleaning surfaces, window glass, and many more. These potential applications have prompted tremendous interest in VO₂thin films, focusing on their fabrication and application. This article reviews current fabrication methods for VO₂thin films, the potential application of their thermochromic and photochromic properties in self-cleaning coatings, the challenges facing their application, and some remedies devised to address the challenges. The various challenges facing its different synthesis and fabrication methods are also highlighted. First, the different transitional phases of VO₂and routes to transform from one stage to the other are presented.