Solar Cells

Problems:

Currently, solar cells based on silicon are still too expensive for large scale power generation as solar grade silicon is expensive, with prices still rising. Solar cells based on organic materials have fundamental disadvantages in charge separation and charge transport/mobility. The efficiency of an organic solar cell is less than that of an equivalent inorganic solar cell. Although, various “heterojunction” systems, such as physical blends of p-type and n-type polymers; blends of a fullerene or its derivatives into a conducting polymers; and a hybrid system of inorganic nano-particles or nano-rods into conducting polymers have been proposed, the maximum efficiency (~7%) and operational stability of these hetrojunction systems are still far below what was achieved with inorganic semiconductors. There are also many challenges associated with the fabrication complexity of fullerence derivatives or nano-rods within organic semiconductors. The low efficiencies of these heterojunction systems are due to disorders on the nano-scale or at the molecular level arising from phase separation and discontinuous charge transport media. While the heterojunction model may solve the problem of charge separation, it creates a problem of charge transport.

Solutions

US Patent 6, 891,191 discloses an ideal solar cell configuration, which provides the maximum interface between p-type and n-type materials for charge separation. At the same time, it keeps both n-type and p-type material in a continuous phase for charge transport to designated electrodes. Therefore, the disclosed nano-structured multi PN-channel organic solar cell not only provides a maximum interface area between p-type and n-type materials that facilitates the charge separation, but also provides continuous phases on the nano-scale for both types of materials that will assist charge transport in opposite directions along each phase. Ultimately, this configuration will greatly improve the charge separation process and transport within organic semiconductors and hence the photo-electron conversion efficiency.

Strategy

We have completed a proof of concept and optimized the parameters of the patented technology. Now, we are seeking to license this technology to strategic manufacturing and market partners to accelerate the product development and commercialization. For more information, please contact the investment department of Chemscitech at opportunity@1-material.com