Optical properties and NIR shielding of hexagonal tungsten bronze

Hexagonal tungsten bronze (HTB) exhibits high near-infrared (NIR) absorption and visible-light transmittance, making it a promising material for sustainable energy applications. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of recent research on HTB’s optical properties, particularly focusing on its NIR-shielding performance. The structural analysis compares the effects of two pore-filling scenarios on performance, while the discussion of synthesis methods evaluates three main preparation techniques and their optimal application based on particle size and morphology. In addition, this review delves into the atomic-level mechanisms driving performance variations, identifying the key factors influencing HTB’s functionality. Future research directions are proposed, emphasizing the need to explore these mechanisms further to enhance HTB’s optical applications in environmental and advanced technological domains. This review aims to serve as a guide for advancing HTB research in the optical field.