TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Electrochromic Devices Made from VACNTs

Opportunity:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), LLC under contract no. DE-AC52-07NA27344 (Contract 44) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is offering the opportunity to enter into a collaboration to further develop and commercialize its use of VACNT films to develop scalable, electrochromic devices that can modulate the transmission/absorption/reflection or emission of visible/infrared radiation.

Background:

Materials capable of modulating the propagation or emission of light from surfaces, both in the visible and infrared, are of interest for displays (televisions, tablets, billboards), optical telecommunications, and radiative thermal management in residential, industrial, and commercial buildings.  Previous research demonstrated the effects of electrical bias or electrolytic gating on the absorption/transmission/emission of infrared radiation with carbon nanotube-based devices. These prior demonstrations often use mats/sheets consisting of randomly-oriented, typically flat-lying carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which is disadvantageous since poor control of the orientation leads to poor control over the optical response of the device.

Description:

LLNL inventors have developed an electrochromic device containing Vertically Aligned single walled CNTs (VACNTs) with a range of diameters.  The assembly of these devices into electrochromic windows filled with ionic liquid allows for reversible modulation of the Fermi level in the VACNT film. These electrochromic devices show strong voltage-dependent transmission of near-infrared radiation. They can potentially be fabricated into large-area windows which modulate the flow of infrared heat into buildings among other applications.

Advantages/Benefits: 

1. The demonstrated, non-optimized electrochromic performance showing a maximum change in transmittance at ~1.7 micrometers IR wavelength of 47%.
2. Potential to use VACNT actuation as on/off switch to control transmittance and emission of IR radiation.
3. Controlling the transmission of light within this optical IR wavelength band is ideal for dynamic windows that regulate the temperature inside of buildings.

Potential Applications: 

Smart Glass and smart windows

Development Status: 

Current stage of technology development:  TRL-3

LLNL has filed for patent protection on this invention.

LLNL is seeking industry partners with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Moving critical technology beyond the Laboratory to the commercial world helps our licensees gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. All licensing activities are conducted under policies relating to the strict nondisclosure of company proprietary information. 

Please visit the IPO website at https://ipo.llnl.gov/resources for more information on working with LLNL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process.

Note:  THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT.  Companies interested in commercializing LLNL's Electrochromic Devices Made from VACNTs should provide an electronic OR written statement of interest, which includes the following:

1. Company Name and address.
2. The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact.
3. A description of corporate expertise and/or facilities relevant to commercializing this technology.

Please provide a complete electronic OR written statement to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL's Electrochromic Devices Made from VACNTs.  The subject heading in an email response should include the Notice ID and/or the title of LLNL’s Technology/Business Opportunity and directed to the Primary and Secondary Point of Contacts listed below.

Written responses should be directed to:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Innovation and Partnerships Office

P.O. Box 808, L-779

Livermore, CA  94551-0808

Attention:   IL-13834 and IL-13951