In the past few years, combinatorial chemistry has become an efficient tool for the discovery of new materials or at least new compositions. In this presentation, we will highlight how a fine tuning of the deposition conditions including the power source, the configuration (conventional or co-sputtering), single deposition or combinatorial, can enhance the chromogenic properties of sputtered oxide films.

In particular, we will demonstrate how a careful control of the deposition conditions of sputtered W0₃ films¹, known as the state of the art EC oxide, leads to promising energy saving in smart windows technology. Considering, the anodically colored NiO films, combinatorial synthesis based on a magnetron co-sputtering approach, allows in a single deposition the mapping of 76 samples, with a wide range of thicknesses (200 to 700 nm) and Li_xNi_yO compositions (Li_0.04Ni_0.96O to Li_0.45Ni_0.55O). The Li addition leads to enhanced optical contrast and durability.

In this presentation, the thin film route will be highlighted as a versatile tool for the growth of oxide based materials with enhanced properties for better addressing efficient applications in the field of energy and particularly in chromism.

none