Selectively Transparent Tannic Acid-Grafted MoS2/Cu1.95S Heterojunction Membranes with Enhanced Photothermal Conversion

[Geoengineering News]

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsami.5c16677

Authors: Tianbao Wu, Xueping Fan, Chao Wang, Guozhi Jia

29 October 2025

Abstract 

For effective solar radiation management, windows in sustainable buildings need to feature high visible light transmittance to support daylighting needs, block unwanted solar radiation, and maintain an appropriate photothermal performance. However, materials with a high photothermal performance usually do not exhibit favorable light transmittance. Here, the selectively transparent photothermal tannic acid-grafted Cu1.95S and MoS2 heterojunction (Cu1.95S/TA-MoS2) was prepared with a mild one-pot synthesis. On the one hand, TA not only grafts both MoS2 and Cu1.95S but also effectively absorbs ultraviolet light. On the other hand, the incorporation of Cu1.95S enhances near-infrared absorption. The selectively transparent photothermal membrane was fabricated by blending Cu1.95S/TA-MoS2 with poly(vinyl alcohol). Compared with the TA-MoS2 membrane, the Cu1.95S/TA-MoS2 membrane achieved a 25.3% reduction in solar transmittance with only a 6.3% loss in luminous transmittance. Moreover, via Cu1.95S with localized surface plasmon resonance properties and a synergistic effect with MoS2, the photothermal equilibrium temperature of the Cu1.95S/TA-MoS2 membrane was increased by 23.4 °C. The membrane demonstrates effective antifogging capability and generates a stable voltage of 0.14 V when integrated with thermoelectric modules. This work provides solid support for next-generation solar radiation management in building windows.

Source: ACS Publications