Eco-design of optically active multi-layered systems by full-printed approach: materials-process correlations – EC-LIPSE

Optically active materials and devices are found in numerous applications related to energy, environment or health, with multiple examples of semiconductors, solar cells, catalysts, sensors, etc. Many optical and/or electronic applications are still demanding of non-toxic processing media (non-volatile solvents), low-temperature and additive deposition techniques such as coating/printing to meet the needs of large-scale continuous production on flexible substrates. Numerous developments have already been carried out and allowed the emergence of functional fluids (inks) to produce thin multi-layered active systems (solar cells, OLEDs, sensors, displays, antennas, etc.). Regarding optically-active systems, efforts are still needed to foster an eco-design and manufacturing strategy to produce low energy consumption systems. It is essential to promote the processing of aqueous functional fluids integrating highly-efficient particles, so to propose a full-printing approach of the architecture. In that purpose, EC-LIPSE addresses the eco-design and development of innovative sustainable methods for the fabrication of efficient optically active systems. The project proposes to combine complementary skills in micro- and nano-sized metal oxide materials processing, complex fluid formulation, physico-chemical engineering of coating and printing processes, and physical modelling. To promote this approach, the project proposes to implement nanocelluloses, being natural and renewable materials that can stabilize active particles without affecting the targeted functionalities.
As a concrete focus, EC-LIPSE will address the development of highly-functional flexible electrochromic (EC) systems involving the integration of several active materials (metal oxides, electrolytes, metallic nanowire network used as transparent electrode). Fast switching kinetics, high stability, high coloration efficiencies, and low energy consumption will be targeted. The work on the formulation of the different active layers and on their deposition as unique layers and then as integrated multi-layered system by high-speed deposition processes is expected to generate innovative results. Furthermore, the impact of the project is expected to go beyond the single field of EC, with the scientific and technological bricks developed within the project EC-LIPSE being able to feed the development of others flexible, wearable and sustainable energy device such as, for instance, supercapacitor, battery, solar cell, fuel cell, etc. EC-LIPSE will promote eco-friendly fabrication of optically-active materials and favour their efficient integration into applied systems.