Description :  The general energy problem in Louisiana can be overcome by developing novel alternative energy power sources such as solar cells with semiconductive polymers, a project underway at the Institute for Micromanufacturing at Louisiana Tech University. Semiconductive conjugated polymers combine optical and electrical properties similar to conventional semiconductors with mechanical flexibility and low weight, which are important attributes for consumer, industrial, and military applications. In addition, these advanced materials can be fabricated inexpensively compared to the high cost of silicon-based solar cell fabrication in a cleanrom environment. The design of the solar cells includes additional novel materials such as fullerenes and nanocrystals that can improve electronic charge transfer in polymer materials. The project involves eight components: 1) Material analysis; 2) Evaluation of electronic structure of materials and photoemission experimental study; 3) Device fabrication and optimization of fabrication parameters; 4) Device testing and characterization with the solar simulator; 5) Experimental results analysis; 6) Interaction with other universities in Louisiana and the nation; 7) Development of proposals to DARPA, ARO, and NSF with cutting-edge solar-cell technology; 8) Exposure of domestic undergraduate students to this innovative research in order to recruit them into graduate studies in science and engineering at Louisiana Tech University.

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Principal Investigator:  Selmic, Sandra  --  Electrical Engineering

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Collaborators:  

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Funding Agencies:  NSF through the Board of Regents

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Amount Awarded:  $12,000

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Start Period:  02/01/2005

End Period:  01/31/2006