Description:
Princeton Docket # 16-3243
Researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Princeton University have developed a method for controlling the microstructure of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite films via a straightforward, low temperature, and scalable process. The fine control and tunability of film properties leads to improved efficiencies for devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), photodetectors, solar cells, lasers, and large-area printable electronics.
Recently, the demand for highly efficient and low cost solar cells and LEDs has resulted in a resurgence in research for new materials for these devices. Metal halide perovskite films represent one of the most rapidly advancing technologies in this area. For instance, recent reports show that solar cells using these materials are approaching efficiencies close to those of conventional polycrystalline solar cells. One of the primary issues facing further development and commercial implementation of metal halide perovskites is lack of control of the film microstructure, resulting in lower device performance and difficulties with batch reproducibility. This technology invented at Princeton offers a low cost, straightforward method for controlling the grain size, crystallinity, and thickness of these films. This invention reduces or eliminates the need for harmful solvents that are normally used when processing these materials. The method has the added benefit of protecting metal halide perovskites from environmental factors such as humidity, which can rapidly degrade device performance. This tunability would be highly advantageous for producing efficient large format devices, and the process can also be employed on an industrial scale in a safe, flexible, and cost-effective fashion.
Applications
• Large area printable electronics
• Solar cells
• LEDs
• Lasers
• Photodetectors and optical amplifiers
• Lighting panels
Advantages
• Scalable, low temperature processing
• Reduces or eliminates use of harmful solvents
Publications
Ross A. Kerner, Lianfeng Zhao, Zhengguo Xiao, and Barry P. Rand. J. Mater. Chem. A, 2016, 4, 8308-8315.
Zhengguo Xiao, Ross A. Kerner, Lianfeng Zhao, Nhu L. Tran, Kyung M. Lee, Tae-Wook Koh, Gregory D. Scholes, and Barry P. Rand, Nat. Photon., in press.
Inventors
Barry Rand, Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering & Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, received his Ph.D. from Princeton University. His area of interest includes emerging device concepts and materials to help to realize the next generation of thin film electronic devices. His research focuses on the unique electronic and optical properties of thin film materials, and in particular semiconductors. Such as, the use of molecular and chalcogenide (e.g. oxide) semiconductors, as well as nanostructured quantized matter for emerging applications in solar cells, light emitting devices, and transistors. Studies that his group conducts range from those on fundamental optical and electrical characterization to device physics and engineering to processing. His work resides at the intersection of electrical engineering, materials science, physics, and chemistry. Professor Rand is the recipient of a DARPA Young Faculty Award, ONR Young Investigator Program Award, DuPont Young Professor Award, and 3M Nontenured Faculty Award.
Intellectual Property & Development status
Patent protection is pending.
Princeton is currently seeking commercial partners for the further development and commercialization of this opportunity.
Contact
Michael R. Tyerech
Princeton University Office of Technology Licensing • (609) 258-6762• tyerech@princeton.edu