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Abstract Series of novel K 0.3 WO 3 /Ag 2 O nanocomposites were successfully prepared by simple two steps method. An exciting fact that near-infrared light shielding and visible photocatalytic self-cleaning effects are integrated into the K 0.3 WO 3 /Ag 2 O film (weight ratio of K 0.3 WO 3 to Ag 2 O = 30) could offer significant potential applications in smart windows. Furthermore, the optical properties and photocatalytic activity of the composites could be tuned by adjusting the weight ratio of K 0.3 WO 3 to Ag 2 O. The obtained K 0.3 WO 3 /Ag 2 O films presented enhanced photocatalytic self-cleaning performance compared with pure K 0.3 WO 3 under visible light irradiation. The improved self-cleaning performance of the K 0.3 WO 3 /Ag 2 O composites was ascribed to a combined contribution of the matched energy band structures and boosted separation efficiency of photo-generated carriers. An approximately 2.3°C-3.4 °C decrease in inner temperature was obtained for the heat box covered with K 0.3 WO 3 /Ag 2 O coated glass. Therefore, the proposed K 0.3 WO 3 /Ag 2 O (weight ratio of K 0.3 WO 3 to Ag 2 O = 30) smart coating is a promising material for self-cleaning energy-saving windows. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • K 0.3 WO 3 /Ag 2 O nanocomposites were prepared by simple two steps method. • The nanocomposites show nice visible light transmittance. • The nanocomposites show strong NIR shielding performance. • The nanocomposite coatings showed good thermal insulation property. • The nanocomposite coatings enhanced self-cleaning property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]