The energy sector involves all industries including production, manufacturing, energy sales, and distribution. It includes industries such as oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear energy, and renewable energy.

With the increasing demand for energy in every corner of the world, as well as the constantly changing environment and prerequisites for fuel use, the energy sector is constantly evolving. With the continuous changes in technological feasibility, existing infrastructure, economic interests, and geopolitical situation, energy branches that constantly adapt to new situations will also emerge. The existing branches will develop to meet new needs, and new energy harvesting methods will continue to emerge.

[Surface Treatment and Coating - Functional Nanoscale and Nanoparticle Coatings]

Traditional coatings are typically used to protect the underlying materials or improve their visual appearance. In addition, coatings used for other functions have attracted increasing research interest. These types of coatings are commonly referred to as functional coatings.

Different functional coatings have a wide range of applications, but the most researched ones are anti fouling, antibacterial, conductive, self-cleaning, photochromic, self-healing, and superhydrophobic coatings.

Different coating strategies need to be adopted based on the functions that the coating needs to meet. Simple functional coatings can be prepared by using immersion coating, with minimal control over the structure and layer thickness of the coating. For more advanced coatings, Langmuir Blodgett and Langmuir Schaefer techniques can precisely control film thickness and encapsulation density. Langmuir Blodgett technology has been used for the deposition of nanoparticles for smart windows and graphene for electronic applications. QSense QCM-D can also be used to characterize the deposition of nanoparticles and the construction of functional nanocomposite structures.

There are several tools available for visual, molecular, and wetting characterization of coatings.

Characterization of superhydrophobic coatings

Superhydrophobic coatings have received widespread attention due to their applications on surfaces such as self-cleaning windows or anti icing surfaces. According to the definition, superhydrophobicity can be achieved when the static contact angle with water exceeds 150 ° and the contact angle hysteresis is low. Therefore, the characterization of superhydrophobic coatings can be achieved by measuring static and dynamic contact angles.

Watch the recorded webinar: Superhydrophobic surfaces - from laboratory to real-life applications

Blog post: Durability of superhydrophobic surfaces - the biggest obstacle to real-life applications

Deposition of nanoparticles for smart window coating

As we become increasingly concerned about the future of the Earth, different energy-saving methods are being studied more. Most of our energy consumption is used for heating or cooling buildings. There can be different solutions to improve the insulation performance of our buildings, and innovative smart windows have become a focus of attention. One interesting type of smart window is made of thermochromic materials, which can change color with changes in temperature. Therefore, windows coated with thermochromic films can control the heat exchange through the glass. In cold weather, store heat indoors; During hot weather, windows can prevent infrared radiation from the sun from entering buildings.

Researchers at University College London (UCL) have developed a method of coating glass surfaces with polystyrene nanospheres using Langmuir Blodgett (LB) technology [1]. They prepared highly ordered nanoparticle layers using LB, which can be used as etching masks in subsequent processes. The generated nanostructures can be coated with vanadium dioxide, giving the window the same anti reflective properties found in moth eyes. It reduces the amount of light reflected inside the room to less than 5%, which is much better than the effect obtained by other prototypes of vanadium dioxide coated windows [2].

Langmuir Blodgett technique was used to deposit 200nm diameter polystyrene nanospheres monolayers on a quartz substrate in a KSV NIMA medium-sized tank.

(a) The AFM image of a single molecular layer, (b) Fourier transform of the same image, demonstrates excellent crystallinity achievable using this technique. Copyright Dr. Alaric Taylor.

In addition to improving the reflective properties of windows, nanostructures can also self clean. The surface of the window is very water-resistant, which means that when raindrops fall on the surface, they form spherical droplets that easily roll off the window, collecting dirt, dust, and other pollutants and carrying them away. Especially for windows used in skyscrapers where window cleaning is challenging, this is a highly desirable performance. Researchers have extensively studied the self-cleaning performance of surfaces by using static and dynamic contact angle measurements.

[1] Taylor, A. Motheye smart windows Bio-inspired, temperature-responsive glazing for passive regulation of building temperature with the ability to self-clean (Unpublished doctoral thesis). (2016) University College London, London, UK.

[2] Taylor, A. et. al., A Bioinspired solution for spectrally selective thermochromic VO2 coated intelligent glazing, Optics Express 21 (2013) A752.

[Watch the recorded webinar: Deposition of Highly Ordered Nanoparticle Thin Films Using Langmuir Blodgett, Alaric Taylor, EPSRC Researcher at UCL University]

Blog Article: Highly Ordered Nanoparticle Thin Films

Deposition and characterization of graphene monolayers for electronic applications

Single layer graphene (SG) is the first truly two-dimensional material that has been proven to possess many excellent material properties, such as high conductivity and thermal conductivity, as well as high tensile strength. Many people believe that graphene is one of the most promising and multifunctional materials discovered so far. For example, the potential applications of this material include building smaller and faster electronic circuits, developing more powerful and flexible building materials, and creating more efficient batteries. Graphene can be used as both an n-type conductor and a p-type conductor. And due to its semiconductor properties, it has sparked speculation that it will one day replace silicon in electronic devices. One of the most interesting applications of single-layer graphene, due to its electrical properties, transparency, and good chemical resistance, is to replace indium tin oxide (ITO) or fluorine tin oxide (FTO) as solar cells and light-emitting diodes in optoelectronics. [1-3]

There are several different methods for preparing single-layer graphene. The most promising methods for large-scale industrial applications are different liquid-phase exfoliation methods, which typically generate dispersions of single-layer graphene or single-layer graphene oxide (SGO). The challenge is how to transfer single-layer graphene or single-layer graphene oxide from the dispersion to the support in a controlled manner. Langmuir Blodgett and Langmuir Schaefer (LS) deposition have recently shown promising results in the preparation of highly controllable graphene layers.

Characterization of graphene oxide films directly on Langmuir channels using Brewster angle microscopy and PM-IRRAS. PM-IRRAS can also be used to characterize thin films deposited on solid substrates.

Application Summary: Deposition and Characterization of Single Layer Graphene and Graphene Oxide Thin Films

Application Summary: Thin Film Structure Imaging: Brewster Angle Microscope

Application Overview: Manufacturing Highly Ordered Nanoparticle Thin Films

Functional coatings on the surface of solar panels

Solar cells (also known as photovoltaic cells) are electronic devices that directly convert light energy into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect (see Figure 1). There are several types of available solar cells, the most common of which are manufactured on silicon wafers. Other types of solar cells include thin-film, dye-sensitized, and organic/polymer solar cells. Due to its simple manufacturing process, silicon solar cells are currently the most commonly used solar cells, holding over 80% of the market share, while other types of solar cells offer certain additional advantages such as flexibility.

At present, there are many active research groups in the field of photovoltaics in universities and research institutions around the world. This study can be roughly divided into three aspects:

·Make current technology solar cells cheaper and/or more efficient to compete with other energy sources.

·Develop new technologies based on the architecture design of new solar cells.

·Develop new materials as light absorbers and charge carriers.

The top layer of traditional solar cells is a thin protective glass coated with anti reflective (AR) coating. Anti reflective coatings are used to increase photon absorption and improve the efficiency of solar cells in this way. Sol gel dip coating technology is widely used to produce anti reflective coatings in large areas.

Ensuring good adhesion between different layers on solar cells is crucial during the manufacturing process. Contact angle measurement is usually used because good wetting indicates good adhesion.

Application Overview: Manufacturing Highly Ordered Nanoparticle Thin Films

Application Summary: Contact Angle Measurement in the Solar Cell Industry

Deposition of highly controllable nanofilms using Langmuir Blodgett method

[Surface Analysis&Quality Control/Quality Control]

Quality control, abbreviated as QC, is an important component of every product production process. In QC, products should be inspected according to specifications and decisions should be made accordingly. Surface quality control is a fundamental component of processes such as decontamination, coating, and printing. In these applications, QC determines whether the implementation process will be successful.

The wettability of the surface is a good indicator of surface properties. The wettability of the surface can be evaluated using a contact angle measuring instrument. The surface contact angle can be used for multiple quality control steps:

·Ensure surface cleanliness before surface treatment

·After surface treatment, ensure that the desired level of treatment and/or coating uniformity is achieved

·Addressing quality control issues related to adhesion and wettability

Contact angle measurement can be automated and only requires a small measurement area. The contact angle provides a possibility for rapid analysis, and large batches of samples are also easy to measure. The contact angle is particularly suitable for surface quality control.

·One of the surface sensitive technologies

·Simple, fast, and easy to use

·Not dependent on users, especially in automated situations

·Provide quantitative data

·Perfect and scientific quality control methods

Individual measurement of water contact angle can provide a good estimate of surface chemistry, but using dispersive liquids for measurement can also determine the surface free energy of the surface. The integration of disposable distributors enables very rapid measurement of surface free energy. Surface free energy is a method of distinguishing the dispersion and polarity components of surface energy. Contact angle measurement can also be used to check the uniformity of coatings. The results obtained from commonly used methods such as using a pen and ink test are not accurate.

In addition to surface chemical properties, roughness also plays a role in wettability. Many processes such as plasma or flame treatment not only affect the chemical properties of the substrate, but may also alter its roughness. By combining morphology measurement with contact angle, the influence of roughness can be distinguished from the influence of contact angle.

A fully automatic Theta contact angle measuring instrument can prevent any human interference in contact angle measurement, thereby improving the reproducibility of results. The OneAttention software includes a quality control mode specifically designed to simplify the QC process. OneAttention also offers special quality control features, such as creating restricted operating environments for operators, making operations as simple and fast as possible through time-saving batch analysis and tailor-made test result reports for your needs.

Plasma and corona treatment surface

Plasma and corona treatment can be used for surface cleaning and activation, followed by further processing such as printing, bonding, painting, coating, or coating. They are used to solve problems related to adhesion and wettability in many industries.

Industrial coatings on paper and cardboard used for packaging and printing

As a packaging material, the board surface is usually coated with extrusion to resist moisture and aging. In order to optimize printing quality, the surface is usually treated with plasma or corona to increase the wettability of ink and surface. Contact angle QC is a simple method that ensures the functionality of coatings and treatments.

Industrial coatings for medical device manufacturing

Different types of industrial coatings are applied to medical devices to enhance their functionality, such as selective fluid flow. Coatings are used for various applications, including diagnostics, biomedical, and pharmaceuticals.

Surface treatment of biomedical implants

By changing the wettability of the implant surface, the biocompatibility of biomedical implants can be affected. Improving surface roughness and altering the influence of surface chemicals on wettability can ensure the quality of implants.

Cleaning of glass and touch screen

The cleaning of the glass surface has a direct impact on the quality of subsequent processing steps, such as inkjet printing on bottles or using adhesives to label applications. Measuring glass contamination helps reduce waste and ensure efficient production.

Industrial coatings for solar panels

Solar panels typically require photovoltaic and anti reflective coatings to ensure optimal efficiency. Cleanliness can affect the efficiency of the panel and the adhesion between different coatings. Contact angle measurement can be used for quality control in the manufacturing process of panels.

Quality Control of Transformer Oil

Insulating oil can be used around the coils of power transformers to provide cooling, insulation, and protection against corona and arc. Transformer oil will come into contact with mechanical and electrical stress as well as chemical pollution during the operation of the transformer. Over time, the function of insulating oil decreases, which may lead to transformer failures and power outages. Regular testing of transformer oil can ensure quality and prevent costly downtime due to malfunctions.

The ASTM D-971 standard defines the general electrical and physical properties of transformer oil. The interfacial tension was measured using the Du No ü y ring method. The interfacial tension between oil and water is related to the purity and function of the oil. The decrease in interfacial tension of transformer oil is caused by the accumulation of pollutants or the formation of oxidation by-products. Our Sigma 702ET can operate fully automatically and measure according to ASTM standards.

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According to ASTM D971 international standard, the oil-water interfacial tension is measured using the ring method