In our recent works [3-7], we are considering the spray deposition of thin films of electrochromic oxides such as WO3and NiO, which are exploited as nanomaterials for various optical-related devices, notably “smart windows” for energy-efficient fenestration in glass buildings [8-9]. A specific attention is thus paid to the composition of the sprayed solution/suspension (precursor type and concentration, solvent…) as it has a significant influence on film deposition mechanisms and properties. Substrate nature (morphology, crystallinity, conductivity…) is of particular importance too, and different types of transparent conductive oxide (TCO) coated glass are therefore investigated. Incorporation of selected surfactants is also acknowledged for influencing wettability, nucleation and growth processes, and resulting functionality. Consequent characterizations analyze crystallinity, microstructure and porosity, ionic reversibility and diffusion, cycling response, optical modulation, coloration/bleaching kinetics, tint and haze.
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[3] J. Denayer, P. Aubry, G. Bister, G. Spronck, P. Colson, B. Vertruyen, V. Lardot, F. Cambier, C. Henrist, R. Cloots, Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells 130 (2014) 623-628.
[4] J. Denayer, G. Bister, P. Simonis, P. Colson, A. Maho, P. Aubry, B. Vertruyen, C. Henrist, V. Lardot, F. Cambier, R. Cloots, Applied Surface Science 321 (2014) 61-69.
[5] D. Chatzikyriakou, A. Maho, C. Henrist, R. Cloots, Microporous and Mesoporous Materials 240 (2017) 31-38.
[6] A. Maho, S. Nicolay, L. Manceriu, G. Spronck, C. Henrist, R. Cloots, B. Vertruyen, P. Colson, Journal of The Electrochemical Society 164 (2017) H25-H31.
[7] L.M. Manceriu, P. Colson, A. Maho, G. Eppe, N.D. Nguyen, C. Labrugère, A. Rougier, R. Cloots, C. Henrist, Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells submitted (2017).
[8] R. J. Mortimer, D. R. Rosseinsky, P. M. S. Monk, Electrochromic Materials and Devices, p. 638, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim (2015).
[9] Y. Wang, E.L. Runnerstom, D.J. Milliron, Annual review of chemical and biomolecular engineering 7 (2016) 11.1-11.22.