Research Projects

Energy harvesters (EHs) are essential for small, low-power electronic devices in IoT, such as photovoltaic PV cells and radio-frequency rectifying antennae rectennae. Layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are a class of semiconductors with excellent electronic and mechanical properties that can be combined to develop advanced lightweight and flexible devices in energy harvesting. This proposal aims to demonstrate and extend the potential of ultra-thin TMDCs and conjugated polymers as building blocks for energy harvesters, tailoring their electronic properties to achieve novel functions and unprecedented device efficiencies. The project will propose a framework to engineer on-demand electronic properties of TMDCs according to specific device requirements. The project builds on the expertise of Portugal and Indian groups in 2D materials and devices, with the Portugal group at INL developing a facility to deposit 2D TMDC films and doping them selectively with local plasma treatment.