Abstract: Novel features in dip coating apparatus are disclosed which improve the quality of coatings and reduce the cost of the process. These disclosures include modifications to the slide assembly, dip tank design, automatic dip-tank lids, substrate gripping, process control parameters and design of racks to process and store substrates. Also disclosed are sensors and mechanisms to consistently coat the same substrate area.

Abstract: An electrochromic coating is produced by adding an organic moiety to a solution of an electrochromic precursor, said organic moiety having a decomposition temperature greater than, or a vapor pressure sufficiently low at, the temperature at which solution solvent is removed, such that said organic moiety remains integral with the electrochromic precursor coating on said substrate after said solvent evaporates, and said organic moiety having a decomposition temperature lower than, or a vapor pressure sufficiently high at, the temperature at which said electrochromic precursor coating is converted to an electrochromic coating that said moiety is substantially removed from said coating before or during said conversion.