Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and materials for preparing a titania nanoparticle product. For example, titania nanoparticle products having desirable optical properties such as a desirable refractive index are prepared according to the methods provided herein.

Abstract: Traditional solar control applications rely on thin metal films to reflect EM radiation with wavelengths longer than that of the visible spectrum. Unfortunately such films also block radiation in cellular, GPS, and radio frequency bands. In one aspect, the disclosure provides a selectively-blocking filter that uses one or more optical filters tuned to a specific range(s) of wavelengths (e.g. for blocking IR radiation), while readily transmitting other wavelengths (e.g. both visible light and cellular/GPS signals). The filters can be manufactured on both flexible and rigid substrates.

Abstract: The disclosure provides materials, apparatuses, and methods for making multilayer coatings with a high degree of efficiency and control. In some aspects, for example, coatings are described having multiple layers of nanoparticles and a polyelectrolyte, wherein the nanoparticles form tightly packed monolayers. The interface between monolayers may include polyelectrolyte material. One or more aspects of such monolayers and interfaces are controllable.

Abstract: Durable coatings and methods for producing the same are provided, where the coatings may include porous coatings encapsulated with a hardening solution that permeates into the porous structure of the film prior to curing. Curing of the hardening solution within the film provides for a durable coating having sufficient durability for use in many different applications, such as optical applications. Any convenient porous coatings may be used in the subject methods. Also provided are methods for forming a coating formulation, where the formulation includes porous coating particles dispersed in a carrier and the porous coating particles may be optionally encapsulated with a hardening solution prior to dispersion.

Abstract: The invention provides optical elements having a substrate with a textured surface, and a coating disposed on the textured surface. The coating is a multi-layer optical coating that provides desirable optical properties for the optical element. The coating is conformally disposed on the textured surface of the substrate. The invention also provides methods for making and methods for using such optical elements.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for modifying one or more properties of porous thin films. In such methods, a formulation comprising a reactive species is applied to the porous thin film and allowed to crosslink. In some embodiments, the crosslinked network thus formed imparts increased mechanical strength and wear resistance to the porous thin films.