Electric Glue could Replace Inefficient Semiconductors in Photovoltaics and Other Devices

A scientist at the University of Chicago has developed an electronic glue that has the potential ability to replace current less efficient semi-conductors in solar cells, computer chips, medical devices, and light-emitting diodes. Even the Shrink Nanotechnologies, Inc. has now acquired an exclusive license to this electric glue.

Crystal semiconductor materials such as silicon that used in present photovoltaic and other devices are tend to use expensive manufacturing processes and materials purchases. While the use of semiconductor nanocrystals even better but less efficiently carry an electric charge generated by light.

Electronic glue will be able to make nanocrystals more effective to transfer electricity between the nanocrystals. Previous case, the process of transferring power disrupted as the ligand surface (large, insulation made of organic materials as a byproduct from the manufacturing process of nanocrystals) makes it difficult to easily transfer electricity between the nanocrystals.

Electronic glue will work to change the ligand with conductive inorganic molecules that more effectively serves as a semiconductor for the nanocrystals, allowing for the transfer of electricity. Representatives from Shrink says that the technology was not ready to replace the current photovoltaic market. They still need time to develop a cheaper technology to deposit the electronic glue.