SNM: Development of Ink-Jet Based Low Cost Roll-to-Roll Nanopatterning (i-R2R Nano) with Demonstration in Thin Film Photovoltaics

研究目标和方法：可伸缩纳米制造(SNM)奖的总体研究目标是开发高速、基于喷墨的卷对卷纳米加工(I-R2R Nano)，用于薄膜光伏(PV)等成本敏感型应用。具体目标包括：(I)研究自上而下(纳米印迹)和自下而上(纳米颗粒或嵌段共聚物)R2R纳米刻蚀；(Ii)开发高通量R2R工艺(50英尺/分钟)的使能技术，总图案化成本目标为2美元/平方米；以及(Iii)使用非周期性等离子体结构优化柔性衬底上纳米结构a-Si PV中的宽带光捕获，以获得显著提高的效率。智力价值：基础科学贡献将包括：(I)用于高速I-R2R系统和工艺的纳米流体、材料流变学、多尺度力学建模和实时传感/控制；(Ii)印记材料、溶剂型自组装材料的设计，以及用于TD和BU工艺中快速图案形成的接口；(Iii)用于在柔性基板上的薄膜PV中实现最佳捕光的新型材料集成和器件设计。更广泛的影响：这一跨学科项目将在低材料使用量的高速R2R纳米刻蚀领域创造基础知识，并为高效PV设计受控纳米结构。在R2R纳米粒子的各种潜在应用中，薄膜PVS代表了最苛刻的纳米尺度要求和成本限制。外展活动将促进创新/创业；并通过德克萨斯大学-奥斯汀工程T-REX计划促进本科生层面的协同活动。

Research Objectives and Approaches: The overall research objective of this Scalable NanoManufacturing (SNM) award is to develop high speed, ink-jet based roll-to-roll nanopatterning (i-R2R Nano) for cost-sensitive applications such as thin film photovoltaics (PVs). The specific objectives include: (i) Investigation of top-down (nanoimprint) and bottom-up (nanoparticle or block co-polymer) R2R nanopatterning; (ii) Development of enabling technologies for high throughput R2R processes (50 ft/min) with a total patterning cost target of $2/m2; and (iii) Optimization of broadband light trapping in nanostructured a-Si PVs on flex substrates using aperiodic plasmonic structures to obtain significantly enhanced efficiencies. Intellectual Merit: The basic scientific contributions will include: (i) Nano-fluidics, material rheology, multi-scale mechanics modeling, and real-time sensing/control for high-speed i-R2R systems and processes (ii) Design of imprint materials, solvent based self-assembly materials, and interfaces for rapid pattern formation in TD and BU processes; and (iii) Novel material integration and device design for optimum light trapping in thin film PVs on flex substrates. Broader Impacts: This interdisciplinary program will create fundamental knowledge in the areas of high-speed R2R nanopatterning with low material usage, and in the design of controlled nano-structures for high efficiency PVs. Thin film PVs is representative of the most demanding nano-scale requirements and cost constraints among the various potential applications of R2R nanopatterning. The outreach activities will promote innovation/entrepreneurship; and synergistic activities at the undergraduate level through the UT-Austin Equal Opportunity in Engineering T-REX program.