Coaxial Molecular Stacking for Photovoltaics

University of Utah Technology Commercialization Office
posted on 03/31/2011

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A New Architecture of Materials for Highly Efficient Organic Solar Cells

Invention Summary

In the past several years, organic based solar cells have attracted a lot of attention and are expected to become a promising source for clean and renewable energy production. Organic based solar cells have high potential to become competitive against inorganic solar cells by reducing the cost of manufacturing. However, the power conversion efficiency of organic based solar cells remains lower compared to inorganic solar cells and as a result limits their broad application. In this invention, a photovoltaic device has been developed to address the issue of poor charge transfer and ultimately the efficiency of organic solar cells. In particular, a novel approach focused on organizing a new type of organic semiconductor materials into well organized structures to improve charge transfer. A column stacking of planar donor and acceptor moieties is the key aspect of this technology that affords superior photocurrent generation over existing technologies.  

Features & Benefits

* Low cost synthesis and easy manufacturing of the photovoltaic devices

* Efficient charge transfer and collection

* Easy generation of thin films for large-area solar cells

Market Application

To improve the efficiency of more cost effective organic solar cells, the design and development of novel materials and assemblies of supramolecules will be a key factor in the long term applicability and success of these devices. A new class of organic solar cells will emerge based on the new assembly of semiconductor materials developed in this technology. It is anticipated that these solar cells will be highly efficient photovoltaic devices capable to efficiently transfer charge and offer overall enhanced performance.  

Intellectual Property

Patent application WO 2011017711 has been published for this technology

Inventor

Dr. Ling Zang, USTAR Associate Professor in the Department of Material Sciences and Engineering at the University of Utah

Development Stage

This technology is part of an active and ongoing research program that has been demonstrated to work in proof-of-concept experiments and includes a working prototype. It is available for developmental research support and licensing under either exclusive or non-exclusive terms.

Related Research & Publications

Dr. Zang's web page: http://www.eng.utah.edu/~lzang/index.html and http://www.organicnanowires.com/

Please see U-4646: "New Nano-Composite Materials for Highly Efficient Organic Solar Cells"

Keywords: Photovoltaics, organic based solar cells, column stacking of planar donor and acceptor