6–10 Jul 2026
University of the Western Cape
Africa/Johannesburg timezone
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First-Principles Investigation of Graphene/W-Doped VO₂ for Thermochromic Smart Windows

7 Jul 2026, 17:20
1h 20m
Great Hall (University of the Western Cape)

Great Hall

University of the Western Cape

Poster Presentation Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials Poster Session 1

Speaker

Lutendo Phuthu

Description

Thermochromic smart windows based on vanadium dioxide (VO₂) offer energy-saving potential through temperature-dependent solar modulation, but their high transition temperature and limited efficiency remain challenges. This study investigates hybrid heterostructures combining graphene with tungsten-doped vanadium dioxide (W-VO₂) to improve performance.

First-principles calculations using Density Functional Theory (DFT) within the GGA+U approach were employed to examine structural, electronic, and optical properties. Doping with tungsten lowers the transition temperature, while graphene improves electrical conductivity and the transfer of charge between surfaces. Electronic structures and optical calculations indicate improved infrared modulation and modified electronic behaviour. These results demonstrate that graphene/W-VO₂ heterostructures are promising candidates for advanced thermochromic smart window applications.

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