NANOEFFECTS: Technical Objectives

Development of new nanocomposite coatings
with excellent colouration efficiency (CE)
for a use in flexible electrochromic devices

• Replacement of heavy metals
• Low price
• Lower power consumption

• Easy processing
• Colour diversity
• Fast switching

• Broad applicability
• No vacuum necessary
• Enhanced interfacial adhesion

=> Major step to overcome the limitations of existing variable transmittance technologies

NANOEFFECTS: Technical Approach

The Sol-Gel Process

Hydrolysis and polycondensation of metal alkoxides

E = B, Al, Si, Sn, Ti, Zr R1= Alkyl (CH3-, C2H5-,...) R2= organic group	E(OR1)n + n H20 [E(OH)n]	---> [E(OH)n] + n R1OH ---> "EOn/2" + n/2 H20
Ref. Calzaferri G., Nachr. Chem. Tech. Lab. 1992, 40, 1106	R2 -- Si(OR)3 + 3 H2O [R2 -- Si(OH)3]	---> [R2 -- Si(OH)3] + 3 ROH ---> R2 -- SiO3/2 + 3/2 H20

Why using inorganic-organic nanocomposites as matrix?

nanostructured polymeric materials low T processing excellent adhesion to oxides high transparency high durability marked barrier function wet-chemical processing cost effective