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Advancement of Roll-to-Roll Deposition Technology for Smart Windows and Antimicrobial Coatings (R2R-SWAC)

 

Identification number: 1.1.1.3/1./24/A/077

Type: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

Duration: 01.06.2025 - 31.05.2028.

Project Leader: Dr. Juris Purāns, Institute of Solid State Physics University of Latvia (ISSP UL)

Responsible person from ISSP UL: Dr. Juris Purāns, ISSP UL

Project partners: Sidrabe Vacuum Ltd, AGL Technologies Ltd.

Total funding: 651 899 EUR

ERDF funding: 506 249 EUR

 

Aim:

The objective of this project is to develop and optimize advanced roll-to-roll (R2R) deposition technologies for large-scale production of functional coatings, with a focus on applications in Smart Windows and Antimicrobial Coatings (R2R-SWAC).

 

Summary:

The project aims to deposit thin films of photochromic yttrium oxyhydride (YHO), photocatalytic zinc ferrite (ZnxFe3−xO4), and hydrophobic mixed metal oxides (e.g., TiO2, ZnO, SnO2) with tailored chemical, structural, and functional properties using scalable magnetron sputtering techniques, including high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS). The project targets achieving a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4. Project duration - 36 months.

 

Expected Outcomes and Deliverables:

  • Innovative YHO Thin Films: Durable and scalable photochromic coatings for smart windows, demonstrated through prototype production and a scientific publication.

  • Advanced Antimicrobial Coatings: Ferrite photocatalytic compounds and hydrophobic metal oxides to prevent microbial contamination – scientific publications.

  • Optimized HiPIMS Technology: Scalable and cost-effective R2R magnetron sputtering for large-area coatings – a patent application

 

Tasks at ISSP UL:

  • Preparation of thin-film deposition equipment for both laboratory-scale and large-area Roll-to-Roll (R2R) systems.

  • Development and optimization of hydrophobic metal oxide (e.g., TiO₂, ZnO, SnO₂) deposition processes at the laboratory scale on glass and polymer substrates, using both pulsed-DCMS and HiPIMS techniques, including adjustment of deposition parameters to modify surface morphology and chemistry.

  • Development and optimization of photocatalytic ZnxFe₃−xO₄ deposition processes at the laboratory scale on glass and polymer substrates, with tuning of deposition parameters to alter structure and increase surface roughness.

  • Transfer of the most effective antimicrobial coating deposition process to the R2R system, including optimization of deposition parameters and polymer pre-treatment.