Energy Solar Fuel Cells Solar MicroFab is developing low-cost, high-volume, flexible solar cell manufacturing methods using company’s patented drop-on-demand ink-jet technology. This system will enable printing of solar cells of any size on any type of substrate including plastics, making it a lower cost alternative to conventional inorganic semiconductor-based solar cells. Current developments are focusing on existing bulk heterojunction organic PV materials. Fuel Cells Researchers at multiple institutions are developing ink-jet based fuel cell manufacturing processes. Specific activities include: controlling the deposition of expensive catalyst; printing polymer membrane materials; developing new materials using combinatorial approaches; and patterning adhesives/sealants. MicroFab's development activities include printing nanoparticle inks, functional polymers, adhesives, and 3-D interconnect structures. Left, 250µm lines of silver nanoparticle ink printed onto a nanoparticle ferrite layer (also printed). Right, Gold lines printed on FR-4 ; <200ºC cure. Left, printed thermoset epoxy lines (top is 300µm wide). Right, 125µm multi-mode Waveguides Printed on 150µm Centers. Some of the advantages of ink-jet technology for fuel cell manufacturing are: Low waste of precious metals like Pt; Low cost deposition process; High precision; Direct write, data-driven process; Non-contact printing; Scalable to production; Allows for combinatorial approaches; and Allows for printing on conformal surfaces. [ home | about us | equipment | services | technology | news | contact us ]