Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

We are requesting funding to purchase an inert atmosphere thin-film deposition system. The equipment will be a part of a larger effort to create the Dalhouise Organic Electronics Research Laboratory. This equipment will be used to fabricate organic electronic devices, including plastic solar cells, flexible displays and disposable electronic sensors. ) We are targeting materials and devices that can generate clean electricity (organic solar), increase energy efficiency (organic displays), and detect dangerous or toxic materials (sensors). These new technologies use abundant organic based semiconductors as the active components leading to inexpensive and sustainable devices. This equipment will help us train highly qualified personnel with the skills to tackle many challenges in the industrial and public sector. We fully anticipate that our research will lead to a greater understanding of current technologies, and that this understanding will lead to new intellectual property and industrial collaborations. The field of organic electronics is rapidly growing with new researchers joining the fold every day. This is due to the massive impact these technologies could have on our society. Plastic solar cells could bring clean energy to every home and remote region in the world, while flexible displays are already changing the way we communicate. Our research program, coupled with those across the nation will enable Canada to become a world leader in organic electronics, an opportunity not to be missed.