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STTR Phase I: New polymers for 10% efficiency organic photovoltaic cells

Award Information
Agency: National Science Foundation
Branch: N/A
Contract: 1009332
Agency Tracking Number: 1009332
Amount: $149,313.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: MM
Solicitation Number: NSF 09-605
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2010
Award Year: 2010
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
3445 Fletcher Avenue
El Monte, CA 91731
United States
DUNS: 787944805
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Jianhui Hou
 PhD
 (626) 456-8090
 jianhuih@solarmer.com
Business Contact
 Jianhui Hou
Title: PhD
Phone: (626) 456-8090
Email: jianhuih@solarmer.com
Research Institution
 University of California-Los Angeles
 Yang Yang
 
405 Hilgard Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90095
United States

 (310) 825-4052
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project aims to develop high efficiency polymers for organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs). OPVs based on polymers are ideal for environmentally-benign and affordable energy generation. However, the efficiency of OPVs is still low compared to their inorganic counterparts, currently at 7.9%. One of the major reasons is the lack of polymers with the required properties for a high efficiency device, such as strong and broad absorption, high carrier mobility, and appropriate energy levels. This project is expected to demonstrate 10% efficiency for OPVs through the following approaches, (1) design and synthesis of new conjugated polymers with ideal band gap, molecular energy levels, mobility, and processability; and (2) optimization of device structure, polymer film morphology, and interfaces. In this project, processes that will enable OPVs on flexible substrates will also be investigated.
The broader/commercial impact of this project will be the potential to result in high efficiency OPVs that are low-cost, flexible, and can be easily manufactured. This project is anticipated to benefit organic electronics industry by potentially replacing current battery technology in portable power source, thus limiting the use of toxic materials. Successful completion of this project will provide the possibility to achieve up to 7% solar module efficiency.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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