Research on Organic Electronics

A team of researchers led by Maggie Payne, who is a junior in Physics major, is studying the link between the electrical properties and physical structure of organic semiconductors crystals. The team is working towards advances in organic semiconductor technology which can in the future lead to electronics being sewn into the clothes or video screens being bent like paper.

A unique research by Payne 

Payne is working towards the development of a new generation of electronics that will be flexible.

Payne organically grows crystals at her lab and then applies these crystals to semiconductors to infer how well these can conduct electricity. She says the theoretical findings forecast that the compounds that are created by her may have a variety of electrical properties which range from bipolarity to superconductivity.

The most current technology involves the use of inorganic semiconductor substances like silicon that are not only restricted in their application but also have to be treated in a vacuum at high temperatures, which makes them very expensive. In comparison to Silicon, organic semiconductors cost less, and are versatile, says Payne.

Not only are organic semiconductors easier to process but also they can be applied to clothing, plastic, and even human skin, using a device that looks like an inkjet printer or spray painting them. Some of the applications of this potential technology are transparent solar cells on the windows, electronic displays in areas that were previously inaccessible, car roofs, and wearable electronics. The reason behind the use of this technology in these applications is the organic plastic’s lightweight, thin, and complying nature.

This research will help define the limitations and potential of the organic crystalline film, which in turn will enable the progress of large-area and low-cost electronics. Jurchescu talks about a concept of “electronics everywhere”. She said that a fast deposition at a hundred feet/second may help in their production in huge volumes and at low cost/area.

Eco friendly promotional items and research encouraged by Jurchescu

The research on organic material started as early as 1862 when Henry Letheby invented a partially conductive material by anodic oxidation of aniline in sulfuric acid. After this, a lot of manufacturing companies are on the lookout for eco friendly promotional items.

The NSF career award which funds researches is offered to the nation’s top junior faculty that has demonstrated superiority as teacher-scholars. Its aim is to encourage teaching, community outreach, and mentorship. With these goals in mind, Jurchescu will offer a new course focused on devices and materials that are carbon-based. She will also demonstrate nanotechnology at Sciworks which is a science and environment center that hosts numerous research projects in its lab.

Source: http://news.wfu.edu/2013/03/25/the-future-of-organic-materials/