Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2013
Electrochromic (EC) and thermochromic (TC) materials are of much interest for “smart” windows which combine energy efficiency with the provision of indoor comfort. This paper summarizes results from several recent studies related to nanoparticles of transparent and electrically conducting ITO (i.e., In2O3:Sn) and of thermochromic VO2. Specifically, we consider (i) the use of ITO nanoparticles in polaronic EC devices in order to suppress near-infrared solar transmittance, (ii) performance limits for plasmonic EC devices embodying ITO nanoparticles, and (iii) ITO-VO2-based nanocomposites with joint low thermal emittance and TC properties, and with Mg-doping of the VO2 as a means for boosting the luminous transmittance. Both experimental and theoretical results are presented.