Organic solar cell composed of C60 (fullerene) and polymers that provide more efficient transport pathways for charge carriers and increase the efficiency of photo-conversion.

Organic solar cells offer low-cost and bulk-produced alternatives to inorganic photovoltaic cells. The majority of organic solar cells, however, are composed of polymers that exhibit poor molecular organization and inefficient charge transport. This results in less than 10 percent efficiency of light conversion in the best organic solar cells.

A novel organic solar cell uses a nano-composite coaxial cable to enable photocurrent to flow through the cell. This increases the efficiency of organic solar cells up to 20 percent by enabling stacked construction of the polymer molecules. Formation of the parallel nano-composite coaxial cable stacks promotes efficient charge transport. Additionally, low manufacturing costs of the solar cell are similar to state-of-the-art organic polymer solar cells.

Proof of Concept

• Increases efficiency.
• Enables stacked polymer construction.
• Maintains low manufacturing cost of organic solar cells. Reduces toxicity.
• Facilitates large-area deposition of the thin film.

Zang, L., Che, Y., & Moore, J. S. (2009). ChemInform Abstract: One-Dimensional Self-Assembly of Planar π-Conjugated Molecules: Adaptable Building Blocks for Organic Nanodevices. ChemInform, 40(16). doi: 10.1002/chin.200916277

Publication Number: US-2012-0201428-A1
Patent Title: Parallel Coaxial Molecular Stack Arrays
Jurisdiction/Country: United States
Application Type: Non-Provisional

Jonathan Tyler
801-587-0515
jonathan.tyler@utah.edu