Lab talk
Sep 20, 2011
Polymer solar cell gets two-dimensional DNA lattice implant
Structural DNA nanotechnology can deliver numerous artificial self-assembled arrays with nanometer-scale precision, which can then be used as building blocks by device makers. Scientists have constructed various DNA nanoarchitectures with diverse topologies using programmable base sequences and offering distinct periodicities decorated with functional materials and molecules. Structural DNA nanotechnology has matured to a stage where completely addressable nanostructures can now be readily assembled in all dimensions. It offers exceptional opportunities in nanoscale multiplexing for a wide range of applications in various fields.
Researchers in Korea are exploring the technology in solar cells. The team has used the Dry-Wet Method to recover an original DNA lattice structure. The group then deposited the 2D double crossover tile-based arrangement safely on an organic layer.
Improved design
The DNA lattice was employed as an electron blocking layer in polymer solar cells, causing an increase of up to 10.2% in power conversion efficiency. Solar cells containing the artificial 2D DNA blocking layer showed a significant enhancement compared with conventional designs.
It is clear that the artificial DNA nanostructure holds unique physical properties that are extremely attractive for various energy-related and photonic applications.
The researchers presented their work in the journal Nanotechnology.
About the author
This work was supported by research funds from the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) through the National Research Laboratory Program grant, funded by the Korean Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) [No. R0A-2007-000-10044-0(2007)], the Research Grant from the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF2008; 331-2008-1-C00126) to Sung Ha Park, and Hynix semiconductor Inc. to Keun Woo Lee. Keun Woo Lee received the PhD degree in School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering from Yonsei University. He is a senior research engineer at the Hynix Semiconductor, Inc. Kyung Min Kim received the MS degree in the School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering from Yonsei University. He is a research engineer at the LG Display. Prof. Hyun Jae Kim is a professor in the School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Yonsei University and an academic adviser of the Nano Device Research Group at Electronic Device Lab. He is a general secretary of KIDS (Korean Information Display Society) and on the program committee of SID (Society of Information Display). Junwye Lee, Rashid Amin and Byeonghoon Kim are PhD students and Sung Ha Park is a professor at Sungkyunkwan Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology and in the Department of Physics at Sungkyunkwan University. They are members of the Applied DNA Nano Engineering Research Group and the Korean Physical Society. Dr Sung Kye Park and Dr Seok Kiu Lee are research fellow and director at the Hynix Semiconductor, Inc.
