Multilayer heterostructures and their manufacture

US9175397B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC · US

Inventors

• Scott R. Hammond · Wheat Ridge, US
• Matthew Reese · Golden, US
• Benjamin Rupert · Berkeley, US
• Alexander Miedaner · Boulder, US
• Calvin J. Curtis · Lakewood, US
• Dana C. Olson · Boulder, US
• David S. Ginley · Evergreen, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 15, 2011
• Grant date: Nov 3, 2015
• Expiry date: Nov 28, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B05D2350/60
• WIPO field: Surface technology, coating
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method of synthesizing multilayer heterostructures including an inorganic oxide layer residing on a solid substrate is described. Exemplary embodiments include producing an inorganic oxide layer on a solid substrate by a liquid coating process under relatively mild conditions. The relatively mild conditions include temperatures below 225° C. and pressures above 9.4 mb. In an exemplary embodiment, a solution of diethyl aluminum ethoxide in anhydrous diglyme is applied to a flexible solid substrate by slot-die coating at ambient atmospheric pressure, and the diglyme removed by evaporation. An AlOx layer is formed by subjecting material remaining on the solid substrate to a relatively mild oven temperature of approximately 150° C. The resulting AlOx layer exhibits relatively high light transmittance and relatively low vapor transmission rates for water. An exemplary embodiment of a flexible solid substrate is polyethylene napthalate (PEN). The PEN is not substantially adversely affected by exposure to 150° C.