Organic devices are revolutionising lighting and solar cells, Professor Alison Walker will describe how this change will impact our lives at a public lecture on Wednesday 21 April.
Light emission from organic materials is not very common in everyday life. However, some living creatures, such as fireflies and many sea creatures, emit light with amazingly high efficiencies.
In the last two decades the glow from such creatures has been developed into organic devices, organic since like the living systems these devices are made of mostly carbon and hydrogen.
Professor Walker, from the University’s Department of Physics, will look at how these devices work, how they mimic nature and explain the many novel applications that will change the future of our work and home life.
Applications include electronic wallpaper, roll-up screens for laptops, newspapers, clothing and packaging. All-organic solar cells could be used to power the displays and organic sensors can create smart textiles and packaging.
Before these new products appear in stores, much more science remains to be done. Organic materials degrade rapidly and the degradation process can only be guessed at since how the devices work is not yet fully understood.
In the lecture Professor Walker will discuss how her research can help make longer lasting and more efficient devices.
Professor Walker said: “I will ensure that the lecture is accessible to all by providing animations showing how the devices work.
“This is a long term project, and the contributions of many scientists are needed for its success, but success in achieving the goals of cheap, efficient and long lasting devices is essential to ensure we continue developing the latest technology without compromising the planet.”
This inaugural lecture will be held on Wednesday 21 April at 6.15pm at the University of Bath’s campus in 8 West 1.1 on Wednesday 21 April. For a free ticket please email Lynne Tremlett or call 01225 383647.