Self-Assembled Nanoelectronic Devices for Solar Energy Applications
- 詳細技術說明
- None
- *Abstract
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Challenge
Whilesolar radiation is an abundant energy source, current methods for its captureand use suffer from low efficiencies and high costs. For example, conventional photovoltaicdevices are limited to a theoretical maximum efficiency of 32%.
Rectennas have received recentattention as energy harvesting and conversion devices. These devices absorb incident radiation andconvert it to DC electric power through the use of a diode (rectifier). Although such devices have achieved over 90%conversion efficiency at microwave frequencies, the fabrication of rectennasthat operate in the optical frequency range is complicated by size limitationsand the low frequency response of the currently employed planar diodes.
As aresult, technologies for the development of optical rectennas are currentlydesired.
Solution
The present inventiondescribes the chemically-directed self-assembly of nanostructures ideal forpotential use in optical rectenna applications. The formation of these nanostructures relies on complementary DNAsequences for binding specific components of the assembly. For example, complementary DNA sequences canmediate the assembly of gold nanoparticles and single-walled carbon nanotubes(SWNTs) to form a duplex with a gold nanoparticle on opposite ends of aSWNT. Variation of the nucleic acidsequences allows for the creation of a large library of unique assemblycomponents.
This approach can be extendedto the attachment of unique functional tags on SWNTs of specific types andlengths. For optical rectennaapplications, these tags can be combinations of metallic nanoparticles andinsulating nanoparticles that result in efficient capture of visible andinfrared radiation and display higher frequency responses than currentdiodes.
Benefitsand features
- Nanoscale rectenna platform
- Potential for the creation of libraries of standard cells for photoreceptors, sensors, and integrated circuits
- Visible light capture with high frequency responses and conversion efficiencies
MarketPotential / Applications
This technology platform haspotential application in solar energy conversion technologies. Potential for application also exists inRF-amplifiers, digital devices, and integrated circuits.
Development and LicensingStatus
This technology is availablefor licensing from Rice University.
RiceResearcher
HowardK. Schmidt is a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Chemical andBiomolecular Engineering and former Executive Director of the CarbonNanotechnology Laboratory at Rice University.
TechnologyRelevant Papers and Web Links
A USpatent application has been allowed for this technology (Pub. No. US2010/0133513)
Case# 26036
KeyWords: rectennas,energy conversion, photovoltaics, self-assembly, solar energy, nanoparticles
Inquiriesto:
Luba Pacala, lpacala@rice.edu, (713) 348-5590
Chance Rainwater, crainwater@rice.edu, (713) 348-4106
- 國家/地區
- 美國
