Photochemical surface engineering for gas-phase, ambient-condition treatment
A UV-driven, gas-phase surface engineering technology that tailors wettability and other chemical properties on metals, oxides, nanomaterials, polymers, and biomaterials at near-ambient conditions using cost-effective UVC light sources. The process creates durable, covalently bonded thin films with tunable properties, from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic, on flat surfaces and powders.
Overview
This technology uses photo-initiated chemical vapour deposition (PICVD) to tailor the chemical properties of surfaces at near-ambient conditions. By combining UVC light with commodity gas reagents, the process creates durable, covalently bonded thin films that can be precisely engineered to meet application-specific requirements. It is well suited for industries seeking scalable, cost-effective surface treatments for metals, metal oxides, nanomaterials, polymers, and biomaterials.
Technical specifications
How it works:
- UVC light from standard mercury germicidal lamps (253.7 nm and 184.9 nm) or UV-LEDs drives gas-phase photochemistry in a reactor.
- Adjusting the feed ratio of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, along with pressure and residence time, controls the resulting surface chemistry.
- Surface wettability can be tuned from superhydrophilic (contact angle below 10°) to superhydrophobic (above 150°), including intermediate values.
- Thin films are covalently bonded and durable, and can be applied to flat surfaces, complex geometries, and powders.
- Property gradients can be created vertically or horizontally using masks.
Infrastructure and scalability:
- Bench-scale reactors with two quartz-enclosed UVC lamps support exploratory and validation work.
- A sub-pilot scale reactor housed in a retrofitted 28-lamp tanning bed demonstrates performance at scales relevant to industrial applications.
Validation capabilities:
- Wettability measurements using tensiometry.
- Chemical characterization of thin films by FTIR and, as needed, XPS.
- Friction, long-term wear, and fluid flow testing to assess performance in application conditions.
Technology readiness level
The technology has been demonstrated at bench and sub-pilot scales, with infrastructure in place to validate performance on partner-supplied materials. Current validation focuses on achieving target wettability on silicone coupons, followed by friction, wear, and fluid flow testing to confirm suitability for specific applications.
About École Polytechnique de Montréal
Polytechnique Montréal is a large public engineering school affiliated with Université de Montréal, combining rigorous academic programs with applied research at scale. Industry engagement is built into the model through structured co-op and internship pathways, on‑campus collaboration spaces, and longstanding partnerships with regional and global firms. Its location within a major research university ecosystem—and near teaching hospitals and startup hubs—helps companies move from prototype to validation and deployment. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSERC and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, alongside provincial and industry investment. A dedicated technology transfer office assists with IP strategy, licensing, and startup formation, with streamlined agreements for sponsored research.
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