Communications of the ACM
Researchers Overcome Technical Hurdles in Quest for Inexpensive, Durable Electronics and Solar Cells
Light is emitted from excited argon gas atoms flowing through the glass tube of a plasma reactor. The plasma is a reactive environment used to produce silicon nanocrystals that can be applied to inexpensive, next-generation electronics.
Credit: University of Minnesota News
Researchers at the University of Minnesota and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have developed a method for creating inexpensive, durable electronics and solar cells made with non-toxic chemicals.
The researchers created technology to produce a specialized type of ink from non-toxic nanometer-sized crystals of silicon, known as "electronic ink," which they say could lead to inexpensive electronic devices.
"Imagine a world where every child in a developing country could learn reading and math from a touchpad that costs less than $10 or home solar cells that finally cost less than fossil fuels," says Minnesota professor Uwe Kortshagen.
The researchers' method uses nonthermal plasma, an ionized gas, to produce silicon nanocrystals and to cover their surfaces with a layer of chlorine atoms. The surface layer of chlorine induces an interaction with many widely used solvents, which enables the production of stable silicon inks with excellent shelf life without the need for organic ligand molecules.
"What this research means is that we are one step closer to producing more pure and more stable electronic ink with non-toxic chemicals," Kortshagen says. "The bigger goal here is to find a way that this research can benefit everyone and make a real difference."
From University of Minnesota News
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