Flexible Solar Cells Using Biotech Materials Processing
Abstract
Konarka Technologies and University of Massachusetts Lowell have developed quasi-solid electrolytes based on two classes of bioderived polymeric materials. In first class, highly grafted ethylene oxide copolymers were prepared using novozyme-435 catalyzed esterification reactions. A bienzymatic process was employed to prepare second class of materials based on polyphenol derivatives with tethered oligo(ethylene oxide) segments. The highly irregular tethering groups on the bioderived polymers will avoid crystallization of the polymers and overcome consequent failure of the gel electrolyte incorporated solar cells that are exposed to extreme temperature variations during use. Solar conversion efficiencies of respective 4.3 and 4.6 % were achieved from bioderived gel electrolyte incorporated flexible solar cell at corresponding 1 and 0.55 Sun equivalent of solar irradiation conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA419197
Entities
People
- J. Kumar
- K. G. Chittibabu
Organizations
- University of Massachusetts