A transformative, scalable solar photovoltaic energy system based on organic nano-electronics

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This research proposal addresses Strategic Target Area (4) Natural Resources and Energy, and in particular (4f)Renewable Energy and (4h) Energy Storage Systems, and also Area (3) Manufacturing - (a) Material Systems - materials used in batteries, fuel cells and energy storage technologies. The SFU team from Engineering Science and Physics, collaborating with scientists from the industrial partners BC Hydro and Xerox Canada, will produce a new integrated renewable energy production and storage system. Environmental and economic sustainability are two important factors that drive the need for such technology in Canada. New technology is needed for efficient renewable energy production to reduce Canada's environmental footprint. Novel, cost-effective energy production and storage technology will also attain economic sustainability by reducing or removing the impact of soaring fossil fuel costs on Canadian industry and quality of life. This proposal will research how to harvest solar energy, the most abundantly available, environmentally friendly, risk free, and cheap source of energy, and how to store in it in an integrated super-capacitor. The proposed flexible Energy System is comprised of organic photovoltaic cells combined with thin flexible polymer film storage and enhanced by nano-optic metallization surface films. These films have the potential to improve performance while replacing costly materials such as indium-tin-oxide. We have recently demonstrated (1) the most stable polymer solar cells in the world (>300 days) fabricated at exceptionally low cost through novel open air-manufacturing, and (2) high density polymer super-capacitors that offer uniquely high power and energy density storage. Our research will further investigate these promising innovations. In addition to the groundbreaking Energy System, this project will develop the strategically crucial area of printed electronics, and will introduce a post-silicon generation technology that will enable new low-cost devices for pervasive applications of electronics.