SF.10.11: Adding Gold Nanorods to Cool Down Glass

    Alfredo Campos from the Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, gave a presentation on the use of “Gold Nanorods For Improving Near-Infrared Attenuation In SnO2:F Thin Films”. The research team generated gold nanoparticles, which were then deposited onto fluorinated tin oxide (SnO2:F) thin films. Then, they characterized their samples by performing spectral analysis which included UV – Vis, infrared (IR) and scanning transmission electron microscopy coupled with electron energy loss spectrometry (STEM – EELS).

    These spectral measurements gave them results which indicated that by adding gold nanorods to their SnO2:F thin films, they can reduce the transmittance in the near-infrared region. But because this region is on the outer end of the visible spectrum, our eyes cannot appreciate those changes. Therefore, SnO2:F films are prominent candidates for new thermally adaptable windows. And this change in their optical transmission means that they accumulate less thermal energy without compromising the visibility of the observer.

    If you are looking to find out more information on fluorinated tin oxide thin films, click here to view the full presentation.