Our approach to solve the above challenge is based on deposition of energy saving and smart coatings on glasses of windows that are transparent to visible light, suppresses strong UV-VIS component of sunlight, but at the same time reflects infrared waves, and/or tunes optical properties depending on external stimuli.
During the project period, deposition by reactive magnetron sputtering is planned that is the main technique used by glass producing companies and best suits for fabrication of new windows. At the same time, we will focus on other low-cost methods of deposition as well such as printing and spraying that works well with already installed windows as well.
In the project we will focus not only on materials synthesis and characterization, but fabrication of prototypes, development of stability testing protocol, and testing of prototypes in indoor and outdoor conditions, establishing the degradation reasons and mitigating them to bring high performance and durable advanced materials to the market.
Most of the current R&D activity related to smart advanced coating is based either on research or commercialization. In the project we will consider close cooperation between academic group with industry combined with training of young researchers through annual schools.
Although, the specialists in the field of energy saving and smart coatings are almost exclusively trained in materials synthesis, device fabrication, methodologies, engineering, and modelling, this education does not fully address the challenges where broader understanding of processes, degradation, device architectures, applications, communication, and commercialization is needed. The present project will achieve the training goals by planning a broad training program, courses and annual schools on industrial and societal transferable skill development, monthly and annual forums for discussion as well as personalized training portfolio for young researchers.