At SALD, we understand the crucial role of gas barriers in device encapsulation and packaging. To name a few examples: in perovskite solar cells, lithium-ion battery pouch cells and printed electronics as well as in packaging of food, medicine and health technology adequate gas barrier layers are of vital importance. Key benefits of the SALD technology are the excellent barrier quality combined with the proprietary high throughput deposition capability. The water vapour transmission rates (WVTR) of two different optical grade polymers, PET Melinex 401 and PEN Teonex Q65, is presented without Al2O3 (pristine) and with a 14 and 38 nm single Al2O3 coating. The best barrier material is achieved on PEN having a WVTR=1.8×10-5 gram of water vapour per square metre per day. By applying an ultra-thin barrier coating, SALD can significantly reduce moisture and oxygen permeability of any flexible substrate. From high performance polymers to cellulose and paper-based materials, a barrier improvement factor (BIF) of 100 to more than 10,000 times can be achieved. (The BIF is defined as the ratio of the permeability of the initial support divided by the permeability of the coated support.) Hence, the lifetime of a perovskite solar cell can be largely extended, either by direct encapsulation of a moisture barrier layer or by lamination of a dedicated moisture barrier foil on the device. Moreover, a low-cost packaging foil having improved gas barrier properties can considerably extend the shelf life of the packaged (food) products. An important bottleneck in commercializing perovskite solar cell technology is the sensitivity to moisture and robust encapsulation methods must be developed. Spatial ALD can provide direct and conformal encapsulation of the device to ensure the best possible protection. Common or traditional packaging can limit the shelf life of products by providing insufficient protection against external influences such as oxygen and moisture. With Spatial ALD coatings, packaging can be made airtight with an ultra-thin coating layer, extending the shelf life of products and reducing the volume of waste. Roll-to-roll Spatial ALD is compatible with the production means in the packaging industry. The main advantages of our Spatial ALD technology are the scalability to wide web width, the low temperature operation at atmospheric pressure and the very modest footprint of the machine. In addition, we are able to deal with the high throughput demands of the packaging industry as we have already demonstrated spatial ALD at speeds of 90 metres per minute (and there is more to come). At SALD, we strive to collaborate with producers and manufacturers to develop innovative packaging solutions that meet the highest standards of performance, sustainability, and cost efficiency. In doing so, we work with many partners, including Coatema GmbH, to accelerate our Roll-to-Roll development. Barrier improvement factor of 35.000x achievable
SALD Markets
Barriers and Packaging
Barrier qualities
Cost savings
Improved device lifetime/ shelf life
Higher speed Roll-to-Roll deposition
Collaboration for innovation
The differences
Temporal ALD vs Spatial ALD
Temporal ALD
Spatial ALD
Innovation by working together
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Extended product shelf life allows manufacturers to save costs by reducing wastage and minimising returns due to spoiled products. The thin Spatial ALD layers lead to lower material costs, reduced waste, and easier recycling. Due to the low deposition temperature, even compostable polymers can be coated with excellent barriers!
Discover the opportunities that Spatial ALD offers for your sector or project. Are you ready to explore the future of battery technology? Get in touch.