Research Update - Coating Materials
We are excited to highlight how our customers are driving innovation across diverse fields, leveraging our high-quality coating materials to address challenges in healthcare and energy production. From disease prevention with antimicrobial coating and health monitoring with edible electronics, to optimising the production of solar cells, our customers are using PI-KEM coating materials to produce reliable and functional thin films.
Tin(IV) Oxide Electron Transport Layer via Industrial-Scale Pulsed Laser Deposition for Planar Perovskite Solar Cells - Kassio P S Zanoni, Daniel Pérez-Del-Rey, Chris Dreessen, Nathan Rodkey, Michele Sessolo, Wiria Soltanpoor, Monica Morales-Masis, Henk J Bolink
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Researchers from the Universities of Valencia and Twente explored pulsed laser deposition (PLD) of tin (IV) oxide (SnO2) electron transport layers (ETL) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). SnO₂ is a popular choice for the ETL because of its excellent chemical stability, good charge mobility, and wide bandgap. To fully harness these properties, deposition techniques must be optimised to achieve controlled stoichiometry of SnOₓ films (x ≤2). PLD offers advantages for this, as it allows precise control over chamber pressure and the introduction of oxygen or inert gas, and it is scalable with high throughput manufacturing capabilities.
In this study, a droplet trap was employed to minimise particles from debris, and deposition conditions were optimised to be O2-saturated,under pressures of 5 × 10-3 mbar. A PI-KEM SnO2 ceramic target (99.9%) was used as the source material. Ultimately, the PSCs achieved power efficiencies comparable to reference devices fabricated via atomic layer deposition (ALD). Given PLD’s superior deposition speed, low material consumption, compatibility with shadow mask patterning, and scalability, it shows promise for industrialising tin (IV) oxide perovskite solar cells.
Analysis of Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties of ZnO and Cu Coatings Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering: Evaluation of Cell Viability and ROS Production - Viktors Vibornijs, Martins Zubkins, Edvards Strods, Zhanna Rudevica, Ksenija Korotkaja, Andrejs Ogurcovs, Karlis Kundzins, Juris Purans and Anna Zajakina
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Researchers from the University of Latvia investigated three types of antimicrobial thin-film coatings to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and rapidly transmitted viruses. Using magnetron sputtering, they deposited pure metallic copper (Cu), zinc oxide (ZnO), and a three-layer ZnO/Cu/ZnO coating onto polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates. The antimicrobial properties were tested against two common bacteria (E. coli and S. aureus) and two viruses (SFV and MS2).
Previously, the group developed WO₃/Cu/WO₃ transparent conductive coatings with high antimicrobial efficiency for flexible optoelectronic devices, intended as alternatives to brittle, production-intensive indium tin oxide (ITO). Owing to WO₃’s chemical instability, substituting it with ZnO was expected to improve stability while preserving desirable features.
A PI-KEM Zn target (99.99%) was used to deposit the ZnO coatings, resulting in films 80–90 nm thick. Microbial tests revealed that the 20 nm thick Cu-coated PET demonstrated strong antibacterial and antiviral activity. The ZnO and ZnO/Cu/ZnO samples inhibited bacterial metabolic activity, however it was insufficient to kill the bacteria. The study indicated that a thicker ZnO layer may be more effective to kill bacterial and viruses on a surface. Insights into the reactive oxygen species(ROS) mechanism could further inform the development of antimicrobial social and healthcare applications.
Nanodiodes on a Digestible Substrate - Gwenhivir Wyatt-Moon, Ganapathy Saravanavel, Sanjiv Sambandan and Andrew J.Flewitt
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Researchers from the University of Cambridge and the Indian Institute of Science have developed a method to fabricate a nanodiode on an edible substrate, opening new avenues for edible electronics in healthcare. Digestible electronics, designed to break down safely in the body, require non-toxic materials and the ability to wirelessly communicate data, relying on non-linear devices like diodes and transistors.
In this study, the team successfully fabricated the first diode on an edible isomalt substrate, a sugar substitute chosen for its digestibility. The active semiconductor was indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), deposited using RF-magnetron sputtering with a PI-KEM IGZO (99.99%) target. IGZO is valued for its high electron mobility, and its ultra-thin film thickness (~80 nm) suggests safe exposure levels.
Five diodes were fabricated on one substrate, demonstrating a rectification ratio of 1000 – this is a measure of how effectively the diode conducts forward current versus reverse current, indicating efficient performance for wireless communication. With further toxicity evaluations, these digestible electronics could advance smart drug delivery, food safety, and internal health monitoring.
These studies underscore the vital role of PI-KEM materials in enabling next-generation technologies. As our customers continue to push the boundaries of science and industry, we remain committed to delivering quality products and exceptional support.
Stay tuned for more inspiring updates on how our products are transforming research with real-world applications.
We look forward to hearing what innovative and exciting research you have planned, and learning more about how we can help you put your plans into action.
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