Atomic layer deposition technology to help solve the country's future energy needs

Figure three shows how the anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) and the atomic layer sediment compound provide precise control and super uniform porous penetration for a new type of specific inhibitor. Source: Argonne National Laboratory

According to the Physorg website reported on July 23, 2007, atomic layer deposition (ALD) has a more effective and low-cost solar cells, crystal lighting equipment and industrial application of the catalytic agent. Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory are working on the technology. The application of atomic layer deposition technology in the improvement of superconductor and separation membrane.

Atomic layer deposition, a technology for the manufacture of thin films, has the unique ability to provide tailored cover for complex and three-dimensional objects. An object is placed on a surface of an object in an environment in which a reactive gas pulse is in a certain order. The chemical reaction between the surface of the gas and the surface of the object naturally ends when the surface of the object forms a single layer of only one molecule. Atomic layer deposition can precipitate a variety of materials, including oxides, nitrides, sulfides, and metals.

What is the atomic layer deposition method is more efficient and flexible than the traditional manufacture of thin film evaporation, such as atomic layer deposition to every corner and crack for a complex object are covered with film.

Scientists have used this method to create a nano structure film (NCM). These structures are able to catalyze reactions, such as converting cheap feedstock into very expensive products and synthetic hydrocarbon fuels. Argonne National Laboratory for the patent application of nano structure film.

Argonne National Laboratory, Department of chemical energy system. A researcher Geoffrey said, "we are committed to the measurement of properties of catalyst and catalytic synthesis of other relevant materials at the nano structure of the catalyst in the film. "

Alan and Argonne National Laboratory of Materials Science Department of Michael. A nano structure in the catalyst membrane research, so that by chemical reaction to produce can help the United States to sustainable development in a more cost-effective and efficient way of materials.

One of the goals of the Argonne National Laboratory researchers is to improve fees - Tropsch process (FTS) in catalytic efficiency. Fees - Tropsch process for the manufacture of synthetic gas, which is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and the synthesis gas into a hydrocarbon fuel. Many kinds of materials, including natural gas, carbon or biomass, can be used to produce syngas.

In ten or twenty years after Alan and Pirin hope, efficiency of nano structure development to the Argonne National Laboratory of the inhibitor film can improve the Fischer tropsch catalyst, so it can produce clean and sulfur free fuel economy.

Recently, Argonne National Laboratory researchers are also using atomic layer deposition technology to produce light-emitting diode (LED) transistor lighting equipment. Unlike incandescent light bulbs are light emitting diode, less power consumption, will not burn or overheat. A light emitting diode is illuminated by electronic motion in a semiconductor. Light emitting diodes are considered to be the most effective light source. From the digital display to the traffic lights, we can find a lot of electronic devices in the form of light-emitting diodes.

LEDs require an electrode to provide current to the semiconductor material, but the electrode must be transparent at the same time so that the light can disperse. Normally, the transparent electrode is made of indium tin oxide (ITO), while indium tin oxide is too expensive for mass production.

To replace indium tin oxide, Argonne National Laboratory researchers are exploring the arrangement of metal nanoparticle chains in a magnetic field to create a conductive network. The scientists used the atomic layer deposition cover in these conductive networks to create a more transparent electrode than the light-emitting diode. The study was funded by the U.S. Department of energy, plans to develop advanced transistor lighting technology in 2025. Advanced transistor lighting technology is more energy efficient, longer life and lower cost than traditional lighting technology.

By working with Northwestern University, Argonne National Laboratory researchers are also working on the development of efficient solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity. Dye sensitized nanocrystalline solar cells were fabricated by using atomic layer deposition technique, which was similar to the fabrication of nanostructured film. The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a nanometer structure destruction agent film, which is characterized in that the inner surface of the nanometer porous water permeable film is deposited with a transparent, conductive oxide and a semiconductor layer.

The ultimate goal of the researchers is to commercialize these fantastic and very efficient solar cells. Because the process does not require expensive pure silicon (traditional solar cells usually require expensive pure silicon), the researchers hope to produce batteries at a very low cost.

Source: China Science and technology information