Study of InNovative compoSite Thin films based on metallic nanowire nEtworks and functional oxides for application in smArt winDows - INSTEAD

Project summary

Functional materials are key components for industrial development. Smart windows create climate adaptive building shells and play a prevailing role for energy consumption reduction within buildings. There is a clear need to conceive and fabricate functional low-cost and abundant raw material based thin layers with the aim of integrating them in smart windows. INSTEAD proposes an interdisciplinary approach for modelling and fabricating innovative eco-friendly functional materials for efficient, low-cost and stable thermo- and electrochromic devices. The fabrication and optimization of both indium-free transparent electrodes (based on metallic nanowire nanocomposites) and active oxide layers will be thoroughly investigated. Innovative routes will be explored to assess new composites and/or hybrid materials. Specific attention will be devoted to their integration in thermo- and electrochromic devices with the goals of increasing stability and efficiency, and lowering cost.