Functional coating

Particle based layers

Viologen-modified TiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles are produced at the Fraunhofer ISC using a <br> sol-gel-based hydrothermal process (left). Electrochromic component in transparent and colored state based on viologen-modified TiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles.
© Fraunhofer ISC
Viologen-modified TiO2 nanoparticles are produced at the Fraunhofer ISC using a
sol-gel-based hydrothermal process (left). Electrochromic component in transparent and colored state based on viologen-modified TiO2 nanoparticles.
Microstructure of layers based on different SiO<sub>2</sub> particles in the scanning electron microscope (top). Particle-based SiO<sub>2</sub> layer as intermediate layer in a perovskite solar cell (bottom left): Scanning electron microscope image of the layer stack filled with perovskite; bottom right: schematic view of the layer stack. <br> <br>
© Fraunhofer ISC
Microstructure of layers based on different SiO2 particles in the scanning electron microscope (top). Particle-based SiO2 layer as intermediate layer in a perovskite solar cell (bottom left): Scanning electron microscope image of the layer stack filled with perovskite; bottom right: schematic view of the layer stack.

In its "Nanoparticle Kitchen", the Fraunhofer ISC develops tailor-made particles for a wide variety of applications. These particles are used, among other things, to produce coatings that prove their functionality in layer stacks of a component or product. In addition to the material-specific properties of the particle-based layers, the size of the particles influences the microstructure of the layer produced and thus its functionality.
 

Challenge

Technologies that are used for energy generation and storage as well as have improved energy efficiency are mostly based on complex, precisely matched stacks of different layer materials. Particle-based layers can be used here to enable or improve the electrical and electrochemical processes in the respective technologies. In order to achieve the best possible performance of the components/products, the microstructure of the layers must then be tailored and the layers precisely matched to one another.


Systems

The Fraunhofer ISC therefore develops particle-based layers that are exposed to environmental impacts and thus have an external effect, as well as particle-based layers that are isolated from environmental influences and prove their functionality on the inside. TiO2 nanoparticles and SiO2 nanoparticles are in the focus of the work alongside various mixed oxide particles. For example, it has been possible to produce an electrochromic component that can change its color by applying a low voltage more easily. Instead of the costly infiltration of a porous layer of TiO2 nanoparticles with the electrochromic organic species (e.g. viologene), nanoparticles can be produced in the "Nanoparticle Kitchen" which already carry the viologene as a surface modification. Furthermore, a porous SiO2 layer can be used as an intermediate layer between the two electrodes of a perovskite solar cell, whereby the microstructure of the layer can be varied by the type of SiO2 particles (see figure on the left).

 

Offer

Development of particle-based coatings with internal action tailor-made for your application. Production of coatings by different processes with your or our coating solutions on your or commercially available substrates. Characterization of coatings in cooperation with our analytical service center.