• Keywords: Organic semiconductors, shortwave infrared detectors, supercapacitors

    Solution-processable materials enable versatile approaches that can lead to devices that are economical and easily reconfigurable. This presentation will discuss the design and additive processing of polymeric materials to achieve optoelectronics and energy storage for Internet of Things applications. I will highlight two research areas: organic infrared sensors that enable deeper penetration depth and redox supercapacitors to increase energy storage density. 

    Organic infrared photodetectors with improved detectivity would enable low-cost spectroscopic analysis and imaging applications beyond conventional cameras. However, these devices are challenged by inefficient transduction due to increasing recombination with lower bandgaps. This talk will provide an overview of the various approaches to improve performance of organic semiconductors in the infrared spectrum. The comparisons of photodiodes and retinomorphic capacitive detectors will evaluate the potential and trade-offs of alternative structures for enhancing sensitivity and motion detection.

    The same class of organic semiconductors is also applicable in energy storage applications, particularly as redox supercapacitors for portable power sources. We developed multifunctional structures, which combine load-bearing and energy-storage functions in one, resulting in weight savings and safety improvements. This presentation aims to summarize the key challenges and future opportunities of integrating polymer electronics in various energy harvesting systems and remote sensing systems.