Carnot MIB from Bordeaux and Fraunhofer COMEDD from Dresden have demonstrated novel transparent electrode materials for high-efficiency organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and solar cells.
The technology was developed as part of the three-year IMAGE project – innovation printable electrode materials for high performance lighting devices and organic solar cells - which has just been completed.
The aim of the project was to develop cost-effective, conductive, transparent, flexible, compatible electrodes, capable of being integrated in OLED or organic solar cells. The electrodes developed in IMAGE should replace conventional transparent metal oxides, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), which are less cost effective.
Dr Olaf Hild, business unit manager at Fraunhofer COMEDD, commented: ‘We were able to construct the electrodes very thin, transparent and flexible and to integrate them in our processes. Thus Fraunhofer COMEDD is now in a position to manufacture flexible organic devices such as OLED lighting films, organic solar cells or sensors on film according to customer requirements.’
The technology is PEDOT-based electrodes, PSS free, with a transparency at 550nm up to 85 per cent, a layer resistance of 90 ohms2, a conductivity of 200 Scm-1, laser-structurable, and OLED/OPV compatible.
The consortium is now looking for industry partners for commercialisation, especially film manufacturers.
