Flexible Solar Cells Using Biotech Materials Processing

In Phase II research, KTI and UML propose to optimize conditions to prepare inexpensive, bioderived, quasi-solid electrolytes and prepare various 3,4-ethylenedioxy thiophene based polymeric derivatives as a catalytic coating on electrodes, usingbiocatalytic routes. Efficient gel electrolytes were developed using biocatalytic derived, highly irregular polymeric materials during Phase I. Further studies need to be carried out to fine-tune the PV characteristics and enhance the stability of thesolar modules by optimizing the polymer structure and electrolyte components. Bioderived polymer electrolytes will be studied for thermal, rheological and photovoltaic characteristics. Solar cells and modules with an optimized polymer electrolytecomposition will be studied for long term stability at ambient as well as under accelerated thermal and solar spectrum testing conditions to optimize the gels. Hematin catalyzed polymerization technique will be used to prepare and optimize polymers forredox catalytic regeneration. The catalytic activity of polymer-coated electrodes will be studied. A detailed study will be carried out to understand the polymer structure, its coatability, stability of coating, and improving the adhesion of polymers tothe electrodes. Stability studies of optimized PEDOT based solar cells will be carried out to replace very expensive Pt with inexpensive, solution coatable polymers during Phase II research. We envision a broad set of products that are suited for militaryapplications, ranging from enhanced performance for handheld electronics (e.g., GPS) to portable (wearable) PV generators for communications, powering lightweight displays, bio-sensors, etc. We also envision our technology eventually in the form of apower-generating textile, used in soldiers' tents and field hospitals.