Sol-Gel-Technology – Thin layers and Nanoparticles

The Sol-Gel technology (also called Sol-Gel method) is a specific part of chemical nanotechnology.  Here, non-metallic, inorganic compounds are converted into so-called sols under defined conditions.

Depending on the further processing, the surface properties of the desired final product can be specifically controlled or set. For example, you can make layers or coatings that are easy to clean, catalytically active, especially hard, light reflective and non-reflective. It is also possible to achieve an anti-fogging effect and electrically conductive layers.

Furthermore, organic compounds can be added or alternatively integrated. That way, almost all properties that are available in chemistry can be applied to surfaces (“hybrid materials”). If you use Teflon-like substances, for example, then you get water repellent, so-called easy-to-clean coatings.

Nanoparticle Dispersions

In another variation, reaction conditions can be chosen such that nanoparticles develop. For example, special TiO2 nanoparticles in coatings have a photo-catalytic effect with which self-cleaning surfaces can be realised. With our method, we can also create other oxidic nanoparticles (like SiO2, ZrO2, Al2O3, FexOy) and nanoparticle dispersions with which unusual and specific surface properties can be equally achieved.