Organic Photo-active Electronics Nanomanufacturing

OPEN – Organic Photo-active Electronics Nanomanufacturing - Open Air Fabrication of Solar Cells

http://www.ie.eng.fsu.edu/research/pdf/open.pdf
Background
The quantum efficiencies of organic photovoltaic devices can reach up to 80%. Additionally, organic materials allow for inexpensive processing, a wide array of applications and flexibility. This leads to devices which allow for lower costs per kilowatt-hour, bendable final products and lighter weight alternatives. Current fabrication techniques are either performed in clean rooms or under a nitrogen blanket. The major research thrusts are to increase efficiencies (currently ~ 3- 5%). This will result in useful and extremely inexpensive devices. FAC2T is developing an open air fabrication technique to further reduce costs and a new platform to harness energy.

Goals
• Develop robust fabrication process optimized for device application
• Design devices to convert e-m radiation into charge carriers
• Tune materials to differing frequencies of the e-m spectra
to optimize power conversion efficiency

Project/Research Highlights Solar Cell
• Attained voltage greater than 1.0 Volt and current in the range of 100 milli-Amps
• Fabrication time < 30 seconds
• OptiGlue for adhesive and infiltration of buckypaper or buckywood

OptiGlue
• Highly efficient hyper-matrixed heterogeneous p-n semiconducting material
• In-situ polymerization via emulsification

Buckywood
• High optical capacity
• Reduction in cost per pound
• Similar electrical conductivity as buckypaper

Benefits to Industry
• Ubiquitous recharging
• Multiple electromagnetic radiation sources for energy
• Size and weight improvement
• Low cost
• Open atmosphere construction