Multi-layer solar harvesting nanofilms by roll-to-roll fabrication

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One of the current major challenges is how to produce multi-layer thin films of optical quality at low cost. The strategic nature of this project comes from the unique opportunity to enhance our polymer industry by developing a new high speed nanofabrication approach for making these multi-layer films that can control both light transmission and heat flow. These coated materials will act as optical switches, which are thermochromic, i.e. they change their absorbance properties at a defined critical temperature, which will be tuneable based on end-use application. This will entail developing novel hexamer metal alkoxide building blocks based on Vanadium and other V bimetallics, that exhibit low hysteresic thermochromic behaviour. These materials must grow in instantaneous time frames for high speed deposition, while having unique oriented morphologies including nanowires and nanotubes to enhance optical and interfacial properties. In addition, graphene and carbon/silica aerogel precursors can be attached to these metal alkoxide building blocks, to provide enhanced optical trapping and heat conduction.