New organic material generates electricity and emits light.
Scientists developed a single organic material that can both emit light and generate electricity, paving the way for self-powered devices.
Why it matters
- Breakthrough could lead to self-powered solar LEDs, wearable devices, and flexible electronics.
- Eliminates need for complex junctions or doped layers in electronic devices.
By the numbers
- Material P3TTM produced 45 milliamps per square centimeter photocurrent.
- Nearly 100% charge collection efficiency observed.
The big picture
- Challenges assumption that organic molecules must work in pairs to conduct and separate charge.
- Could enable lightweight, flexible devices that harvest and emit light.
What they're saying
- Researcher: Opens possibilities for light harvesting using single-material molecular semiconductors.
- Comments highlight existing dual capabilities of solar cells and LEDs but note efficiency issues.
Caveats
- Discovery still in research phase.
- Practical applications and efficiency improvements yet to be fully realized.
What’s next
- Further research to explore potential applications and improve efficiency.
- Development of self-powered sensors, wearable medical devices, and solar-charging OLED displays.