The invention relates to a particle with a core-shell structure, the core of which comprises at least one thermochromic semiconductor and the shell comprises at least two layers—an inner layer in contact with the core and comprising a mineral material or an organo-mineral hybrid material; and—an outer layer comprising a mineral material or an organo-mineral hybrid material, different from that of the inner layer. The invention also relates to a method for producing this particle, and the use thereof as a temperature indicator, in particular in a culinary article, such as a pan.

A simplified switchable object and methods of making same are provided. The methods may include steps of applying a switchable material on a first surface of a first substrate, the switchable material having a thickness and a shape; applying a barrier material on the first substrate, circumferential to the switchable material; and applying a second substrate over top of, and in contact with, the switchable material and the barrier material, the first substrate, second substrate and barrier material defining a closed chamber encapsulating the switchable material. The methods may further include a step of applying a seal material.

A simplified switchable object and methods of making same are provided. The methods may include steps of applying a switchable material on a first surface of a first substrate, the switchable material having a thickness and a shape; applying a barrier material on the first substrate, circumferential to the switchable material; and applying a second substrate over top of, and in contact with, the switchable material and the barrier material, the first substrate, second substrate and barrier material defining a closed chamber encapsulating the switchable material. The methods may further include a step of applying a seal material.

The invention relates to a capsule comprising a shell containing a transparent and thermally conducting liquid, particles having a thermochromic coating and particles having a photochromic coating, the thermochromic particles being bulkier than photochromic particles, the liquid being such that, within a first range of temperatures, its density is greater than the density of the thermochromic particles and than the density of the photochromic particles, and such that, within a second range of temperatures greater than those of the first range, the density of the photochromic particles is less than the density of the liquid, which is itself less than the density of the thermochromic particles.

The invention relates to a capsule comprising a shell containing a transparent and thermally conducting liquid, particles having a thermochromic coating and particles having a photochromic coating, the thermochromic particles being bulkier than photochromic particles, the liquid being such that, within a first range of temperatures, its density is greater than the density of the thermochromic particles and than the density of the photochromic particles, and such that, within a second range of temperatures greater than those of the first range, the density of the photochromic particles is less than the density of the liquid, which is itself less than the density of the thermochromic particles.

The present invention relates to a method for producing a photochromic oxy-hydride material as well as a photochromic component. The method comprising the steps of: —first the formation on a substrate of a layer of an essentially oxygen free rare earth metal hydride with a predetermined thickness using a physical vapor deposition process; and—second exposing the metal hydride layer to oxygen where the oxygen reacts with the metal hydride, said second step being performed in an environment having a water content defined by a water amount in air at sea level pressure with RH between >0% and 100% RH for temperatures between 0° C. and 40° C., preferably 25° Celsius.

The present invention relates to a method for producing a photochromic oxy-hydride material as well as a photochromic component. The method comprising the steps of: —first the formation on a substrate of a layer of an essentially oxygen free rare earth metal hydride with a predetermined thickness using a physical vapor deposition process; and—second exposing the metal hydride layer to oxygen where the oxygen reacts with the metal hydride, said second step being performed in an environment having a water content defined by a water amount in air at sea level pressure with RH between >0% and 100% RH for temperatures between 0° C. and 40° C., preferably 25° Celsius.

Prior electrochromic devices frequently suffer from high levels of defectivity. The defects may be manifest as pin holes or spots where the electrochromic transition is impaired. This is unacceptable for many applications such as electrochromic architectural glass. Improved electrochromic devices with low defectivity can be fabricated by depositing certain layered components of the electrochromic device in a single integrated deposition system. While these layers are being deposited and/or treated on a substrate, for example a glass window, the substrate never leaves a controlled ambient environment, for example a low pressure controlled atmosphere having very low levels of particles. These layers may be deposited using physical vapor deposition.

Herein are described two-dimensional metal organic frameworks (2D MOFs). The 2D MOFs includes a plurality of multivalent metals or metal ions and a plurality of multidentate ligands arranged to form a crystalline structure having a lateral size of at least about 2.5 μm and a thickness of less than about 5 nm. Herein are also described methods for preparing the 2D MOFs. The 2D MOFs can be used, for example, in electrochromic devices such as smart windows and flexible displays.

Herein are described two-dimensional metal organic frameworks (2D MOFs). The 2D MOFs includes a plurality of multivalent metals or metal ions and a plurality of multidentate ligands arranged to form a crystalline structure having a lateral size of at least about 2.5 μm and a thickness of less than about 5 nm. Herein are also described methods for preparing the 2D MOFs. The 2D MOFs can be used, for example, in electrochromic devices such as smart windows and flexible displays.