Projects / Programmes
Sol-gel synthesis and structural investigations of materials and thin solid films
January 1, 1999
- December 31, 2003
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.04.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Chemistry |
|
| 2.03.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Energy engineering |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P401 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Electrochemistry |
| P351 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Structure chemistry |
| T151 |
Technological sciences |
Optical materials |
| T155 |
Technological sciences |
Coatings and surface treatment |
| T150 |
Technological sciences |
Material technology |
Researchers (8)
Organisations (1)
| no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
0104 |
National Institute of Chemistry |
Ljubljana |
5051592000 |
21,007 |
Abstract
The programme encompasses the preparation of iono-optic devices and the development of materials and thin films which are necessary for these applications: electrochromic, gasochromic and photochromic devices (switchable smart systems), devices for photothermal (solar absorbers) and photovoltaic (Graetzel cells) conversion of solar radiation, thin-layered gas sensors, electrolytes for batteries and fuel cells. Materials for these applications we prepare using sol-gel route which enables the preparation of multicomponent oxide coatings with desired homogeneity, porosity, intercalation and optical properties. For electrochromic devices and batteries materials with spinel or layered structure will be developed on the basis of lithiated transition metal oxides. Combination with other elements will be used to improve charge capacity, electrochemical stability and optical modulation. Special challenge is the development of a hybrid system of photoelectrochromic device based on photovoltaic Graetzel cell.
We develop new materials with iono-optical properties: ionic conductors (ormolytes) for electrochromic devices and organic-inorganic hybrid materials. These materials show properties like dimension stability, high ionic conductivity, transparency for solar radiation, coloration after contact with hydrogen or other gases (CO - sensors and gasochromic materials), photochromism, high ionic conductivity and hydrophobicity, so that they can be used in the form of membranes for fuel cell applications.
For solar absorbers we develop using sol-gel synthesis new coatings that selectively absorb solar and emit thermal radiation. They can compete with coatings prepared with sputtering because of their good photothermal conversion efficiency. The main problem lays in the synthesis of coatings with high absorption for solar radiation, small reflection losses, compactness and excellent adhesion to various metal substrates. Additional problem is the protection of the metal substrate which should be solved due to the high durability demands for solar absorbers.
With the investigations of intercalation compounds we want to describe the electronic absorptions which contribute to optical modulation of films, to determine the influence of the structure or dopants on intensity changes and absorption colour, to find out what are the interactions between the intercalated ions and the structure and finally, to evaluate the electrochemical stability of films and systems. These problems demand the use of various analytical approaches (XRD, XPS, IR, Raman, NMR,...), however, predominantly we perform in-situ spectroelectrochemical techniques (IR, UV-visible).
Most important scientific results
Final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report
