NSF Award
9710634
This Small Business Innovation Research SBIR) Phase II project will develop a novel spray coating methodology for low-cost coating of solution-derived ceramic, lithium-ion conductive (IC) thin films for application in architectural electrochromic (EC) windows. Spray coating is potentially a low-cost, high-volume, in-line route for difficult-to-process, multi-component oxide IC layers. Phase II research will address scale-up issues for design of a full scale prototype in-line coating system. An objective is to demonstrate a functional, aesthetically uniform 25 cm x 30 cm EC device incorporating an IC layer coated in a manner approximating conditions of a large-area system. Electrochromic glazings are expected to impact the architectural glass industry since building occupants owners will be able to control the shading of their window glass electonically. EC glazings will find application where solar control is needed for substantial energy savings and enhanced comfort. In addition to architectural windows, EC glazing will be suited for transportation vehicles, large-area displays, recreational products, and consumer appliances. Beyond application in electrochromics, this spray technology may find use in a variety of other product technologies requiring multi-component thin films such as rechargeable lithium batteries, electro-optical thin films, and specialty optical coatings
