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Ntera.com
Sol-Gel Electrochromic devices
NTera is developing an electrochromic
display technology called
NanoChromics™ using nanostructured film
electrodes. The nanostructured films are derived from sol-gel precursors
and formulated to suit the particular coating application method. Current
applications focus in flat panel displays, medical
diagnostic sensors and targeted drug delivery. In addition, NTera
plan to extend the technology into batteries
and solar cells.
Electrochromic materials change colour when
they gain or lose an electron when subject to an electrical potential.
Earlier attempts to use electrochromic effects in display applications
suffered from very long switching times and weak colouration. NanoChromics™
technology uses electrodes made of nano-structured films of
semi-conducting metal oxides and electrochromic viologen molecules to
overcome these issues. These transparent films have enormous surface area
which means that up to 1000 times as many viologen molecules can be
attached to the film as would be possible with a smooth surface and that
all the viologen molecules can have an electron added or removed very
quickly. The high number of viologen molecules attached gives strong
colouration  (Contrast
ratios of up to 30:1) and the high speed of electron transfer gives high
switching speeds. Between the electrodes is a reflector made of a nano-structured
film of Titanium Dioxide. This is the same chemical used to make paper
white and therefore gives a solid and highly reflective white background
to our display. The coloured viologens in front of this reflective
background have the appearance of ink thus giving the visual effect of ink
on paper when the viologens are coloured, and of pure white paper when the
viologens are bleached. Different colours can be achieved through using
different viologen molecules.The technology is being developed by a world
class research team and is available for co-development/licencing
opportunities.
NTera was founded in 1997
as a University College Dublin campus company to develop and commercialise
products using nanomaterials. Originally called Nanomat, NTera was founded
by Donald Fitzmaurice, now the Chief Technology Officer, who is the
Professor of Nanochemistry at UCD.
For more information : http://www.ntera.com/
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