Abstract: Methods and materials to fabricate laminated devices are disclosed, particularly the laminates where the interlayer is deposited by 3d printing (or also called additive manufacturing process). In particular, emphasis is placed on the fabrication of electrooptical devices, including electrochromic, thermochromic and liquid crystal devices. In the electrochromic devices at least the electrolytic interlayer or optionally some of the other layers are deposited by this process, and for the other two the interlayer contains thermochromic and the liquid crystalline material respectively. In one embodiment printing is used to form both an interlayer and a sealant located at the perimeter of the interlayer. Laminated glass and plastic objects using this invention have many applications including their use in windows for building and transportation.

Abstract: A wire grid polarizer (WGP) can include an array of support-ribs on a substrate. Sides of the support-ribs can be inclined to one side. A wire can be applied on an upper-side and distal end of each support-rib, each wire being separate from wires on adjacent support-ribs. The WGP can be made with reduced or no etching.

Abstract: A glass-based assembly includes a glass substrate and a coating layer coupled to the glass substrate. Ultimate strength of the glass substrate with the coating layer overlaying and coupled thereto is greater than that of the glass substrate alone, without the coating layer.

Abstract: An improved ceramic material for heat insulation with selection of specific stabilizers and adapted proportions, includes zirconium oxide with 0.2 wt. % to 8.0 wt. % of the base stabilizers: yttrium oxide (Y2O3), hafnium oxide (HfO2), cerium oxide (CeO2), calcium oxide (CaO), and/or magnesium oxide (MgO), wherein at least yttrium oxide (Y2O3) is used, and optionally at least one of the additional stabilizers: 0.2 wt. % to 20 wt. % of erbium oxide (Er2O3) and/or ytterbium oxide (Yb2O3).

Abstract: An inorganic nanoparticle composition includes an inorganic nanoparticle and a highly fluorinated solvent, and the inorganic nanoparticle includes an inorganic material and a F-containing charge-transporting organic ligand. A light-emitting device with the inorganic nanoparticle composition, for example, as a material for forming at least a portion of an electron transport region in the light-emitting device. An electronic apparatus includes the light-emitting device.

Abstract: Disclosed are a catalyst for an electrochemical cell and a method of manufacturing the catalyst. The catalyst includes a support, a first catalyst supported on the support, wherein the first catalyst is a catalyst for hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) or oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), a second catalyst supported on the first catalyst, wherein the second catalyst is a catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and a protective layer formed on the first catalyst and the second catalyst.

Abstract: A capacitor including a lower electrode; an upper electrode apart from the lower electrode; and a between the lower electrode and the upper electrode, the dielectric including a dielectric layer including TiO2, and a leakage current reducing layer including GeO2 in the dielectric layer. Due to the leakage current reducing layer, a leakage current is effectively reduced while a decrease in the dielectric constant of the dielectric thin-film is small.

Abstract: An electrical cable includes a conductor assembly having a first conductor, a second conductor and an insulator surrounding the first conductor and the second conductor. The insulator has an outer surface having an RMS roughness of less than 1.0 micrometers. A cable shield provides electrical shielding for the first and second conductors and has a metallized conductive layer on the outer surface of the insulator. A method of manufacturing an electrical cable includes feeding a first conductor and a second conductor to a core extruder, extruding an insulator around the first and second conductors at the core extruder, heating an outer surface of the insulator to lower a roughness profile of the outer surface, and directly apply a conductive layer to the outer surface of the insulator.

Abstract: A positive electrode active material according to the present disclosure includes a lithium composite oxide that is a multiphase mixture including a first phase having a crystal structure belonging to a monoclinic crystal (e.g., space group C2/m), a second phase having a crystal structure belonging to a hexagonal crystal (e.g., space group R-3m), and a third phase having a crystal structure belonging to a cubic crystal (e.g., space group Fm-3m or space group Fd-3m). In addition, a battery according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a positive electrode containing the positive electrode active material, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte. The positive electrode active material according to the present disclosure improves the capacity of the battery.

Abstract: In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a heat-treated transition metal carbonitride MXene film annealed at high temperatures and a polymer composite comprising the same. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for producing a heat-treated transition metal carbonitride MXene film comprising: obtaining a MXene aqueous solution containing dispersed 2-dimensional (2D) MXenes through an acid etching process; filtering the obtained MXene aqueous solution through a vacuum filtration process to produce a free-standing film; and annealing the produced free-standing film at high temperatures to obtain a heat-treated transition metal carbonitride MXene film. In still another aspect, the present disclosure provides an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding method comprising: superposing a coating comprising a heat-treated transition metal carbonitride MXene film on at least one surface of an object in a contact or non-contact manner.

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a porous body of a water-insoluble polymer, the method being excellent in terms of simplicity and capable of suppressing formation of a skin layer. A method of producing a porous body of a water-insoluble polymer disclosed here includes the steps of: preparing a solution in which a water-insoluble polymer is dissolved in a mixed solvent containing a good solvent for the water-insoluble polymer and a poor solvent for the water-insoluble polymer; coating the solution on a substrate; coating a slurry containing insulating particles, a binder and a dispersion medium on the coated solution; and simultaneously drying the coated solution and the slurry to porosify the water-insoluble polymer. The poor solvent has a boiling point higher than a boiling point of the good solvent. The dispersion medium can dissolve the water-insoluble polymer.

Abstract: A composite tungsten oxide film having high film smoothness, with a function to shield infrared light by reflecting infrared light by a thermal insulation, while maintaining transparency in a visible light region, and a method for manufacturing the composite tungsten oxide film, and a film-deposited base material or an article using these functions. A composite tungsten oxide film including a composition with a general formula MxWyOz as main components, wherein 0.001?x/y?1, 2.2?z/y?3.0, organic components are not contained substantially, a transmittance in a wavelength of 550 nm is 50% or more, a transmittance in a wavelength of 1400 nm is 30% or less, and also, a reflectance in a wavelength of 1400 nm is 35% or more.

Abstract: A novel silane-based functionalized polymer is useful as an organic precursor material for forming inorganic particles that are introduced when manufacturing a polymer electrolyte composite membrane. A polymer electrolyte composite membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one of a perfluorinated polymer and a hydrocarbon-based polymer, and a silane-based functionalized polymer represented by Chemical Formula 1.

Abstract: A mobile-charging power system including a mobile transportation unit including a housing and an axle; a battery assembly positioned within the housing; a power electronics module electrically coupled to the battery assembly; and an electro-mechanical generator electrically coupled to the power electronics module. The electro-mechanical generator is driven by the axle. The system further includes a solar power generator coupled to the housing. The solar power generator is electrically coupled to the power electronics module. The system further includes a controller electrically coupled to the battery assembly and the power electronics module; and a control panel electrically coupled to the power electronics module and the controller. The control panel includes a first electrical plug and a second electrical plug.

Abstract: A particle structure of cathode material and a preparation method thereof is provided. Firstly, a precursor for forming a core is provided. The precursor includes at least nickel, cobalt and manganese. Secondly, a metal salt and a lithium ion compound are provided. The metal salt includes at least potassium, aluminum and sulfur. After that, the metal salt, the lithium ion compound and the precursor are mixed, and a mixture is formed. Finally, the mixture is subjected to a heat treatment step, and a cathode material particle structure is formed to include the core, a first coating layer coated on the core and a second coating layer coated on the first coating layer. The core includes potassium, aluminum and a Li-M-O based material. The first coating layer includes potassium and aluminum, and a potassium content of the first coating layer is higher than a potassium content of the core. The second coating layer includes sulfur.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte including: an oxide represented by Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, or a combination thereof, Li2+4xM11?xO3??Formula 1 wherein, in Formula 1, M1 is hafnium, titanium, zirconium, or a combination thereof, and 0<x<1; Li2?y(a?4)M11?yM2ayO3??Formula 2 wherein, in Formula 2, M1 is hafnium, titanium, zirconium, or a combination thereof, M2 is at least one element having an oxidation number of a, and wherein a is an integer from 1 to 6, and 0<y<1; or Li2?zM1O3?zXz??Formula 3 wherein, in Formula 3, M1 is hafnium, titanium, zirconium, or a combination thereof, X is a halogen, a pseudohalogen, or a combination thereof, and 0<z<2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode active material, a preparation method thereof, an electrode, a battery, and an apparatus. The electrode active material includes: a core and a coating layer, where the core includes a ternary material, the coating layer coats the core, the coating layer includes a reaction product of a sulfur-containing compound and a lithium-containing compound, and the reaction product includes element Li, element S, and element O.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrode disclosed herein includes a step of granulating a moisture powder formed by aggregated particles including at least an electrode active material, carbon nanotubes, and a non-aqueous electrolytic solution, and a step of forming an electrode by supplying an electrode active material layer composed of the moisture powder onto the electrode current collector. The granulation step includes a first mixing treatment of mixing the carbon nanotubes and the non-aqueous electrolytic solution to impregnate the carbon nanotubes with the non-aqueous electrolytic solution, a second mixing treatment of mixing the carbon nanotubes impregnated with the non-aqueous electrolytic solution and the electrode active material, and a treatment of compressing the mixture obtained by the first and second mixing treatments.

Abstract: Fast-charging lithium ion cells are provided, which have electrolytes that do not react with the cell anodes, but instead form a solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the cathodes. Advantageously, such electrolytes improve the performance of the fast-charging cells, and enhance their lifetime and safety. Various electrolyte solutions and lithium ions are proposed to limit electrolyte interactions to the cathodes, or possibly even minimize or prevent these reactions by coating the cathodes. Redox couples may be used to prevent SEI formation on the anode, while promoting SEI formation on the cathode.

Abstract: A multilayer solid-state electrolyte, solid-state battery cells including the same, and methods of making the electrolyte and the battery cells are disclosed. The multi-layer solid-state electrolyte includes a solid bulk electrolyte layer comprising carbon-doped lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON) or WO3+x (where 0?x?1), and a solid anode interface layer comprising LiPON or a metal oxide that forms a stable complex oxide with lithium oxide and conducts lithium ions when lithiated. The anode interface layer has a thickness less than that of the bulk electrolyte layer. The method of making the multi-layer solid-state electrolyte includes depositing one of the solid bulk electrolyte layer and the solid anode interface layer on an active layer of a battery cell, then depositing the other layer on the one layer. As for the solid-state electrolyte, the anode interface layer has a thickness less than that of the bulk electrolyte layer.

Abstract: An electrochromic device includes a charge balancing thin film comprised of a new vanadium oxide with a formula of VOx, which provides a high charge density, low coloration efficiency, an electroactive voltage in close proximity to those of some electrochromic materials, and high chemical and electrochromic stability. Vanadium oxide can be without doping or doped with others. The VOx charge balancing thin film has a porous nanostructure and is amorphous or a combination of amorphous and polycrystalline, and can work with electrochromic conjugated polymer in the device in a minimally color changing mode. A method to design a material for a charge balancing thin film to pair with a working electrode and obtain a low device voltage in an electrochromic device is disclosed. Methods to prepare related charge balancing thin films are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a mask device and an evaporation device, so as to manufacture a special-shaped display panel, improve the manufacturing efficiency of the special-shaped display panel and lower the cost. The mask device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a framework and a first strip plate, where the first strip plate is fixed on the framework and extends along the first direction, the first strip plate includes a first area and a second area, and the width of the first area is greater than the width of the second area in the direction parallel to the surface of the first strip plate and vertical to the first direction.

Abstract: Cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries comprise a hybrid nanocomposite of graphene and copper fluoride. Such cathode active materials are used, together with a polymeric binder material and optionally a conductive additive to form a cathode for a lithium-ion battery. Methods of producing hybrid nanocomposites of graphene and copper fluoride include hydrothermally reacting functionalized graphene, such as graphene oxide, and precursors of copper fluoride, such as aqueous fluorosilicic acid. Such hydrothermal reactions include sequential heating and freeze drying steps to produce a CuF2-graphene nanocomposite.

Abstract: A positive electrode active material includes a doped lithium nickel phosphate having an olivine structure comprising distorted NiO6 octahedra. The dopant is an anion; or a combination of at least two transition metals having different ionic radii; or an anion and a metal cation. The positive electrode active material can be used in a positive electrode for an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: This application provides a composite positive-electrode material and a preparation method thereof, a positive-electrode plate, a secondary battery, and a battery module, a battery pack, and an apparatus containing such secondary battery. The composite positive-electrode material includes a core and a coating layer covering at least part of a surface of the core, where the core includes a positive-electrode pre-lithiation material, the positive-electrode pre-lithiation material includes a lithium-rich metal oxide, and the coating layer includes a positive-electrode active material.

Abstract: A method for forming a metal film includes forming an oxide layer on a to-be-treated surface of a to-be-treated object by bringing the to-be-treated surface into contact with a reaction solution containing fluorine and an oxide precursor, removing fluorine in the oxide layer, supporting a catalyst on the oxide layer by bringing the oxide layer into contact with a catalyst solution, and depositing a metal film on the oxide layer by bringing the oxide layer into contact with an electroless plating liquid.

Abstract: An input device is provided and includes substrate; first metal mesh shape electrodes provided on layer of substrate; second metal mesh shape electrodes provided on same layer of the substrate as first metal mesh shape electrodes; second metal connection electrodes each of which connects adjacent two of second metal mesh shape electrodes on same layer as first metal mesh shape electrodes; insulating film covering second metal connection electrodes; first transparent connection electrodes each of which connects adjacent two of first metal mesh shape electrodes on insulating film; and protective film covering first metal mesh shape electrodes, second metal mesh shape electrodes, and first transparent connection electrodes.

Abstract: A wire grid polarizer (WGP) can include an array of support-ribs on a substrate. Sides of the support-ribs can be inclined to one side. A wire can be applied on an upper-side and distal end of each support-rib, each wire being separate from wires on adjacent support-ribs. The WGP can be made with reduced or no etching.

Abstract: A system for removing heat from an aircraft component includes: a heat exchanger in proximity to an aircraft component and having an inlet, an outlet, and an internal surface coated with a catalyst; a source of hydrocarbon fuel in fluid communication with the inlet of the heat exchanger; a source of oxygen in fluid communication with the inlet of the heat exchanger; and a distribution system. A method of removing heat from an aircraft component includes providing a heat exchanger in proximity to an aircraft component, the heat exchanger being in fluid communication with a source of hydrocarbon fuel and a source of water and having an internal surface coated with a catalyst; introducing a hydrocarbon fuel into the heat exchanger; introducing oxygen into the heat exchanger; contacting the hydrocarbon fuel with the catalyst; and cracking the hydrocarbon fuel.

Abstract: This disclosure provides spacers for smart windows. In one aspect, a window assembly includes a first substantially transparent substrate having an optically switchable device on a surface of the first substrate. The optically switchable device includes electrodes. A first electrode of the electrodes has a length about the length of a side of the optically switchable device. The window assembly further includes a second substantially transparent substrate a metal spacer between the first and the second substrates. The metal spacer has a substantially rectangular cross section, with one side of the metal spacer including a recess configured to accommodate the length of the first electrode such that there is no contact between the first electrode and the metal spacer. A primary seal material bonds the first substrate to the metal spacer and bonds the second substrate to the metal spacer.

Abstract: A lead-acid battery includes a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, an electrolyte solution, and a polymer compound, in which the positive electrode plate includes a positive current collector and a positive electrode material, the negative electrode plate includes a negative current collector and a negative electrode material, the Ca content of the positive current collector is 0.13% by mass or less, and the polymer compound has a peak in a range of 3.2 ppm or more and 3.8 ppm or less in a chemical shift of 1H-NMR spectrum, or the polymer compound contains a repeating structure of oxy C2-4 alkylene units.

Abstract: An annealing separator composition for a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: 100 parts by weight of at least one of a magnesium oxide and a magnesium hydroxide; and 30 to 250 parts by weight of a metal hydroxide including at least one of a nickel hydroxide and a cobalt hydroxide, wherein an average particle diameter of the metal hydroxide is 0.01 to 80 ?m.

Abstract: A lead-acid battery includes a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and an electrolyte solution, in which the positive electrode plate includes a positive current collector and a positive electrode material, the negative electrode plate includes a negative current collector and a negative electrode material, the positive current collector contains Sn in an amount of 0.95% by mass or more, the negative electrode material contains a polymer compound, and the polymer compound has a peak in a range of 3.2 ppm or more and 3.8 ppm or less in a chemical shift of 1H-NMR spectrum, or the polymer compound contains a repeating structure of oxy C2-4 alkylene units.

Abstract: An electronic component includes: a multilayer capacitor including a capacitor body and first and second external electrodes respectively disposed on opposing end surfaces of the capacitor body; and an ESD member disposed on a first side surface of the multilayer capacitor perpendicular to a mounting surface of the multilayer capacitor, such that the ESD of the multilayer capacitor may be effectively controlled.

Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include thermionic energy converters with a thermal concentrating hot shell and emitters for thermionic energy converters. In some embodiments, an illustrative thermionic energy converter includes: an emitter electrode; a hot shell configured to concentrate heat flow toward the emitter electrode; a collector electrode; and a cold shell that is thermally isolated from the hot shell.

Abstract: Disclosed is lithium secondary battery that may include: a positive electrode; a negative electrode; an electrolyte; and a separator positioned between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The separator may include: a separator substrate; and a fibrous adhesive layer formed on one or both surfaces of the separator substrate.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions for the solution-phase deposition of thin films comprising one or more artificial solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers. The thin films can be coated onto the surface of porous components of electrochemical devices, such as solid-state electrolytes employed in rechargeable batteries. The methods and systems provided herein involve exposing the component to be coated to different liquid reagents in sequential processing steps, with optional intervening rinsing and drying steps. Processing may occur in a single reaction chamber or multiple reaction chambers.

Abstract: A positive-electrode material for a lithium ion secondary battery contains a lithium complex compound that is represented by the formula: Li1+aNibMncCodTieMfO2+?, and has an atomic ratio Ti3+/Ti4+ between Ti3+ and Ti4+, as determined through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, of greater than or equal to 1.5 and less than or equal to 20. In the formula, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Al, Zr, Mo, and Nb, and a, b, c, d, e, f, and a are numbers satisfying ?0.1?a?0.2, 0.7<b?0.9, 0?c<0.3, 0?d<0.3, 0<e?0.25, 0?f<0.3, b+c+d+e+f=1, and ?0.2???0.2.

Abstract: The present invention provides lithium nickelate-based positive electrode active substance particles having a high energy density which are excellent in charge/discharge cycle characteristics when highly charged, and hardly suffer from generation of gases upon storage under high-temperature conditions, and a process for producing the positive electrode active substance particles, as well as a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery. The present invention relates to positive electrode active substance particles each comprising a core particle X comprising a lithium nickelate composite oxide having a layer structure which is represented by the formula: Li1+aNi1?b?cCobMcO2 wherein M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Al, B, Mg, Ti, Sn, Zn and Zr; a is a number of ?0.1 to 0.2 (?0.1•a•0.2); b is a number of 0.05 to 0.5 (0.05•b•0.5); and c is a number of 0.01 to 0.4 (0.01•c•0.

Abstract: A producing method of a solution that contains lithium, at least one of a niobium complex and a titanium complex, and ammonia, wherein an amount of the ammonia in the solution is 0.3 mass % or less. The solution is suitable for forming a coating layer capable of improving battery characteristics of an active material in a battery.

Abstract: Catalysts for selective production of hydrogen peroxide and methods of making and using thereof have been developed. The catalysts include an alloyed or doped metal oxide which permits tuning of the catalytic properties of the catalysts for selection of a desired pathway to a product, such as hydrogen peroxide. The catalysts may be incorporated into electrochemical or photochemical devices.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for improved performance characteristics of a transistor device. In an embodiment, a transistor of an integrated circuit comprises a source, a drain, a gate, a gate dielectric and a semiconductor structure which adjoins the gate dielectric. The semiconductor structure is configured to provide a conductive channel between the source and drain. The semiconductor structure includes first, second and third portions, the second portion between the source and the gate, and the third portion between the drain and the gate, wherein the first portion connects the second portion and third portion to one another. A thickness of the first portion is less than another thickness of one of the second portion or the third portion. In another embodiment, the locations of thicker portions of semiconductor structure mitigate overall transistor capacitance, while a thinner intermediary portion of the semiconductor structure promotes good sub-threshold swing characteristics.

Abstract: A conductive pattern having high dispersion stability and a low resistance over a board is formed. A dispersing element (1) contains a copper oxide (2), a dispersing agent (3), and a reductant. Content of the reductant is in a range of a following formula (1). Content of the dispersing agent is in a range of a following formula (2). 0.0001?(reductant mass/copper oxide mass)?0.10??(1) 0.0050?(dispersing agent mass/copper oxide mass)?0.30??(2) The dispersing element containing the reductant promotes reduction of copper oxide to copper in firing and promotes sintering of the copper.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery includes a positive electrode, negative electrode, a separator, and a nonaqueous electrolyte having lithium-ion conductivity. The positive electrode contains a positive electrode active material containing lithium. The negative electrode faces the positive electrode. The separator is disposed between the positive and negative electrodes. The negative electrode includes a negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode current collector includes a layer having a first surface, and protrusions protruding from the first surface. The first surface is a surface on which lithium metal is deposited during charge. The protrusions do not divide the first surface into parts.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques are described herein for use in manufacturing electronic devices. Such as can include organic light emitting diode (OLED) devices. Such apparatus and techniques can include using one or more modules having a controlled environment. For example, a substrate can be received from a printing system located in a first processing environment, and the substrate can be provided a second processing environment, such as to an enclosed thermal treatment module comprising a controlled second processing environment. The second processing environment can include a purified gas environment having a different composition than the first processing environment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are nanostructured conducting films. The nanostructured conducting films can comprise a nanocrystal phase comprising a plurality of nanocrystals comprising a first metal chalcogenide, the nanocrystal phase being dispersed within a continuous phase comprising a second metal chalcogenide, and wherein the nanocrystal phase, the continuous phase, or a combination thereof further comprises a dopant. In some examples, the first metal chalcogenide and/or the second metal chalcogenide comprise a metal oxide. Also disclosed herein are transparent conducting oxide films having heterogeneous dopant distributions, the films having high mobility, good conductivity, or combinations thereof. Also described herein are methods of making and methods of use of the nanostructured conducing films described herein.

Abstract: VO2 and V2O5 nano- or micro-materials. The VO2 nano-materials and micro-materials have an M1 phase structure and oxygen stoichiometry that deviates 2% or less from theoretical stoichiometry. The VO2 nano-materials and micro-materials may doped with cation dopants and/or anion dopants. The VO2 and V2O5 nano- or micro-materials can be made by hydrothermal methods starting with V3O7.H2O nano- or micro-material. The VO2 and V2O5 nano- or micro-materials can be used as, for example, thermochromic window coatings.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques are described herein for use in manufacturing electronic devices. such as can include organic light emitting diode (OLED) devices. Such apparatus and techniques can include using one or more modules having a controlled environment. For example, a substrate can be received from a printing system located in a first processing environment, and the substrate can be provided a second processing environment, such as to an enclosed thermal treatment module comprising a controlled second processing environment. The second processing environment can include a purified gas environment having a different composition than the first processing environment.

Abstract: A new BiVO4-laminate manufacturing method and BiVO4 laminate are provided. A bismuth-vanadate laminate is manufactured as follows: a substrate that can be heated by microwaves is disposed inside a precursor solution containing a vanadium salt and a bismuth salt, microwave-activated chemical bath deposition (MW-CBD) is used to form a bismuth-vanadate layer on the substrate, and a firing process is performed as necessary. A bismuth-vanadate laminate manufactured in this way is suitable for use as a photocatalyst or photoelectrode.

Abstract: A method for use in a coating process includes pre-heating a substrate in the presence of a coating material and shielding the substrate during the pre-heating from premature deposition of the coating material by establishing a gas screen between the substrate and the coating material. An apparatus for use in a coating process includes a chamber, a crucible that is configured to hold a coating material in the chamber, an energy source operable to heat the interior of the chamber, a coating envelope situated with respect to the crucible, and at least one gas manifold located near the coating envelope. The at least one gas manifold is configured to provide a gas screen between the coating envelope and the crucible. A second manifold provides gas during a later coating deposition to compress a vapor plume of the coating material and focus the plume on the substrate to increase deposition rate.