Molecular Foundry Seminar
"The Colorful Chemistry of Chromogenics"
Dr. Harlan Byker, Pleotint LLC
Friday, May 27th at 9:30am, Bldg. 67 - 3111
View the Foundry Seminar Schedule
Abstract:
This presentation on chromogenics and particularly photochromics, electrochromics and thermochromics will focus on the chemistry of these materials. There will also be a focus on the application of chromogenics to energy saving windows.
The talk will start with a brief description of photochromics and of variable light scattering systems which are sometimes confused with chromogenic systems. A short overview of electrochromics will be given from the perspective of the types of chemistry involved.
A detailed description will be presented of thermochromics and of Ligand Exchange Thermochromic, (LETC), technology. This will involve the advantages of the excellent thermodynamics, the good stability and the disadvantage of the poor molar absorption coefficients of these interesting materials. Hopefully there will be time for a frank discussion of the pros and cons of electrochromic windows versus sunlight responsive thermochromic windows for use in energy saving applications.
About the Speaker
Harlan has spent over 28 years researching, developing and commercializing chromogenic materials and applications thereof.
He is the CEO and Co-owner of Pleotint LLC, West Olive, MI. At Pleotint, Harlan and his team have spent 13 years in intensive research, development and discovery of thermochromic materials. Pleotint, L.L.C. has recently introduced Sunlight Responsive Tinting, (SRT™), films as a commercial product. Pleotint has 6 issued US Patents on its thermochromic technology and its application in windows. Pleotint’s SRT window technology allows for the fabrication of some of the world’s most energy efficient and energy saving windows. These windows have been estimated to save between 10% and 20% of the total energy use of a building depending on geographic location. The first large commercial installation, (14,000 ft2), was completed in January of 2011 and a second installation, (40,000 ft2), is planned for the summer of 2011.
Prior to founding Pleotint; Harlan was the sole inventor of the original chemistry for the world’s only commercially successful electrochromic device which he invented for Gentex Corporation. He developed many of the production processes for high volume manufacture of the electrochromic rearview mirrors which are currently used on more than 130 vehicle lines of at least 16 different car companies worldwide. It is estimated that well over 100,000,000 of the electrochromic devices are in use today.
