Organic nanofiber-based heterojunction material with improved photoconductivity and increased stability for use in solar cells, LEDs, and semiconductor electronics.

Photoconductive organic semiconductor materials have emerged as low-cost alternatives to silicon in photodetectors, sensors, and photovoltaics. State-of-the-art organic materials, however, are limited by their intrinsic low carrier density and mobility. Additionally, available materials have short charge transport pathways and charge-transfer complexes that reduce the efficiency of charge transport.

Organic Nanofiber Semiconductors feature long nanofiber charge transport pathways that enable more efficient charge transport. Nanofiber-based heterojunction material is used to achieve high photoconductivity with a fast photo-response. The nanofibers create a large interface for increased charge separation and act as long-range transport pathways. The alkyl groups enable surface adsorption for effective electron-transfer and spatially separate charge carriers to prevent recombination. With high surface area and a lack of charge-transfer complexes, these highly flexible nanofibers enable first-in-class charge separation and optimization of photoconductive organic materials. The potential applications for these nanofibers range from military gas detection to enhancing communication infrastructure.

Proof of Concept

- Increases efficiency of charge separation.

- Facilitates low-cost, one-step organic semiconductor manufacturing.

- Improves temperature stability, enabling a wide operating range.

- Enhances material flexibility to expand potential applications.

Che, Y., Huang, H., Bunes, B.R., Yang, X., Zang, L. (2011). Interfacial engineering of organic nanofibril heterojunctions into highly photoconductive materials. Journal of the American Chemical Society. 133(4): 1087-1091. doi: 10.1021/ja109396g

Publication Number: US-2014-0147670-A1
Patent Title: Nanofiber-Based Heterojunction Approach for High Photoconductivity on Organic Materials
Jurisdiction/Country: United States
Application Type: Non-Provisional

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