Nanoparticle-Dendrimer Composite Ultralight Photovoltaics, Phase I

We propose to develop flexible solid state polymer-based solar cells that have a power density >1000 W/kg and > 5 year life in the space environment. The specific approach that we will employ it to make intimate organic-inorganic nanocomposites of polymeric electron donors and low-percolating nanoparticle electron acceptors. The polymeric donors have a novel hyperbranched structure which ensure a three dimensional network with high isotropic charge mobility. The high aspect ratio nanoparticle acceptors have a high intrinsic mobility and low percolation threshold. Materials are modified chemically to form intimate interpenetrating networks. The cells are formed by laminating the composite between high and low work function contacts disposed on space-qualified flexible polymer substrates. Phase I entails demonstrating cells with >2% AM0 efficiency using this approach.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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