The SmartWin project is developing a new intelligent window platform that, in addition to controlling sunlight transmission, offers a wide range of additional functions such as environmental sensors, health management, energy generation for self-sufficiency, and building connectivity.<\/p>\n\n
Modern buildings face the challenge of improving energy efficiency and sustainability while simultaneously increasing the comfort and well-being of their occupants. Traditional window solutions offer little added value beyond light and air regulation. Furthermore, many buildings are outdated and cannot meet the requirements of modern, networked, and energy-efficient systems. PROFACTOR is responsible for developing transparent conductive layers of so-called “metal nanomeshes,” which offer an excellent combination of high transparency and good electrical conductivity. PROFACTOR is developing novel manufacturing methods based on nanoimprinting processes for this purpose. Besides their use in intelligent windows, these metal nanomeshes are also important for applications such as touchscreens, displays, solar cells, and transparent electronic circuits.<\/p>\n\n
The SmartWin project focuses on developing a modular window platform that can be flexibly adapted to different needs. The combination of nanoimprint lithography (NIL) and the filling of structures with liquid conductive ink offers significant advantages for the fabrication of transparent, conductive layers. NIL enables the precise creation of channels on a substrate, which are then filled with silver nanoparticle or nanowire ink. This approach results in highly conductive networks with excellent optical transparency. Compared to conventional methods, this technique allows for efficient material utilization, high reproducibility, and integration on flexible or rigid substrates.<\/p>\n\n