Jul 5 2010
Researchers at the Cornell University’s Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology have developed a process whereby organic dyes are arranged in porous stacked sheets that can be integrated into solar cells. This process will reduce costs as well as produce high-efficiency solar cells that can be manufactured easily. These reduced costs will also be an incentive for the growth of the solar industry.
The process developed by EVSO is as follows. Organic dye molecules are put together to form a structure called a covalent organic framework (COF). A simple acid catalyst and protected catechols (relatively stable molecules) are used to bring together key molecules into an orderly 2D sheet. These sheets are arranged on top of each other to give rise to a lattice. This lattice has pathways to enable charge to navigate through the material. Pthalocyanines, commonly used industrial dyes, form the heart of the molecular framework. These dyes are universally used in the manufacture of many products including ink pens and jeans. These dyes have a structure similar to that of chlorophyll, a pigment that almost absorbs the whole solar spectrum.
Using this basic structure, a large variety of materials can be incorporated in the COF framework. After the framework has been assembled other organic material may be filled in the pores between the basic molecular network. This will make the solar cells light and flexible. This COF developed by EVSO has made solar energy competitive with fossil fuels.
With collaborations with a whole host of large giants in the energy production markets EVSO is developing new projects to compete in the energy sector by creating efficient and low cost solar cells.