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Journal Article
Torrisi, G, Luis JS, Sanchez-Sobrado O, Raciti R, Mendes MJ, Águas H, Fortunato E, Martins R, Terrasi A.  2019.  Colloidal-structured metallic micro-grids: High performance transparent electrodes in the red and infrared range. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells. 197:7-12. AbstractWebsite

One of the most promising approaches to produce industrial-compatible Transparent Conducting Materials (TCMs) with excellent characteristics is the fabrication of TCO/metal/TCO multilayers. In this article, we report on the electro-optical properties of a novel high-performing TCO/metal/TCO structure in which the intra-layer is a micro-structured metallic grid instead of a continuous thin film. The grid is obtained by evaporation of Ag through a mask of polystyrene colloidal micro-spheres deposited by the Langmuir-Blodgett method and partially dry-etched in plasma. IZO/Ag grid/IZO structures with different thicknesses and mesh dimensions have been fabricated, exhibiting excellent electrical characteristics (sheet resistance below 10 Ω/□) and particularly high optical transmittance in the near-infrared spectral region as compared to planar (unstructured) TCM multilayers. Numerical simulations were also used to highlight the role of the Ag mesh parameters on the electrical properties.

T. Vicente, A, Araujo A, Mendes MJ, Nunes D, Oliveira MJ, Sanchez-Sobrado O, Ferreira MP, Aguas H, Fortunato E, Martins R.  2018.  Multifunctional cellulose-paper for light harvesting and smart sensing applications. J. Mater. Chem. C. 6:3143-3181.: The Royal Society of Chemistry AbstractWebsite

A novel generation of flexible opto-electronic smart applications is now emerging{,} incorporating photovoltaic and sensing devices driven by the desire to extend and integrate such technologies into a broad range of low cost and disposable consumer products of our everyday life and as a tool to bring together the digital and physical worlds. Several flexible polymeric materials are now under investigation to be used as mechanical supports for such applications. Among them{,} cellulose{,} the most abundant organic polymer on the Earth{,} commonly used in the form of paper{,} has attracted much research interest due to the advantages of being recyclable{,} flexible{,} lightweight{,} biocompatible and extremely low-cost{,} when compared to other materials. Cellulose substrates can be found in many forms{,} from the traditional micro-cellulose paper used for writing{,} printing and food/beverage packaging (e.g. liquid packaging cardboard){,} to the nano-cellulose paper which has distinct structural{,} optical{,} thermal and mechanical properties that can be tailored to its end use. The present article reviews the state-of-the-art related to the integration and optimization of photonic structures and light harvesting technologies on paper-based platforms{,} for applications such as Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS){,} supporting remarkable 107 signal enhancement{,} and photovoltaic solar cells reaching [similar]5% efficiency{,} for power supply in standalone applications. Such paper-supported technologies are now possible due to innovative coatings that functionalize the paper surfaces{,} together with advanced light management solutions (e.g. wave-optical light trapping structures and NIR-to-visible up-converters). These breakthroughs open the way for an innovative class of disposable opto-electronic products that can find widespread use and bring important added value to existing commercial products. By making these devices ubiquitous{,} flexible and conformable to any object or surface{,} will also allow them to become part of the core of the Internet of Things (IoT) revolution{,} which demands systems{'} mobility and self-powering functionalities to satisfy the requirements of comfort and healthcare of the users.