AUTONOMOUS LIGHT ENERGY COLLECTION DEVICE BASED ON RECONFIGURABLE PLASMONIC MOLECULAR RECTENNAS WITH WIDE BAND-GAPS
The PlasMORE-LIGHT is focusing on a breakthrough concept compared to optical rectenna that works with various wavelengths to convert light into electricity within the visible and infrared spectra. It is exploring a new model in which the wave properties of light are exploited to convert electromagnetic waves at optical frequencies into direct-current electricity.
The approach is investigating interactions between molecular and plasmonic electronics, which should lead to the development of functional nano-structured materials for energy recovery. This project combines the skills and expertise of four laboratories (IM2NP, CINaM, IEMN and ICR) in various fields including multi-physics modelling, molecular diodes, organic chemistry, nanofabrication, material synthesis, and advanced characterisation on macro- and nanoscopic scales.
This work could be applied to make small autonomous electric power devices supplying about 100 microwatts.