Nanocomposite Photovoltaic Cells

Introduction Photovoltaic cells based on polymer semiconductors are of great interest as a low cost approach to solar energy conversion into electricity. The most efficient polymer solar cells are based on binary blends, in which polymers function as electrondonors and fullerenes as electron-acceptors. Heating or annealing induces phase separation of the polymer/fullerene blends, resulting in a two-phase morphology, a process that is difficult to control. Technology description To circumvent these challenges, an invention by UW researchers provides for highly efficient polymer/fullerene solar cells, in which a 3-D network of pre-assembled polymer semiconductor nanowires serves as the donor component in a sea of fullerene acceptor. An electrically two-phase morphology is realized without going through the difficult path of blend phase-separation phenomena. This technology demonstrates that a 3-D network of polymer semiconductor nanowires can serve as an effective donor component in polymer solar cells. Business opportunity This discovery expands the scope of promising materials and architectures for efficient solar cells based on polymer semiconductor nanowires. Stage of development Highly efficient photovoltaic cells were developed with this technology. Intellectual property position US and PCT patent applications are pending. For more information on this technology contact:
Bolong Cao, Ph.D., MBA Licensing Officer, Invention Licensing [email protected] 206-543-3970

Type of Offer: Licensing



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