SUMMARY
Lehigh University has developed a novel method to make glass with electrical conductivity. The technology uses a discovery of ionic-to-electronic conductivity transition by adding small amounts of gold to glass. This method increases electrical conductivity by a factor of 4 quite reproducibly and is unique in being able to make transparent conductive glass. This method may be able to utilize other metals than gold and has applications in solar panel manufacturing. Current efforts are dedicated to stabilizing conductivity and replicated results.
Lehigh Tech ID# 080409-01
THE MARKET
Ordinary colorless, transparent glasses are electrical insulators, however, there are a number of applications in optoelectronics, such as in solar cells (a $45B market), where high optical transparency and high electrical conductivity are needed.[1] Further market pull for this kind of technology comes from the need of substitute materials for solar cells, as indium tin oxide is expensive,[2] and the fact that many companies in the solar cell market have begun entering the non-silicon based market, establishing a larger manufacturing infrastructure and increasing market share for these kinds of technologies.[3]
[1] “Research Fim: Global Solar Cell Market to Explode by 2012, America Will Gain Influence.” CrunchGear web site. http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/08/20/research-firm-global-solar-cell-market-to-explode-by-2012-america-willgain-influence (accessed April 28, 2011).
[2] “Transparent Solar Cells Made for Windows.” June 16, 2009. ScienceDaily web site. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610161004.htm (accessed April 28, 2011)
[3] “Global Solar Photovoltaic Market Analysis and Forecasts to 2020.” PRLog web site. http://www.prlog.org/10198293-global-solar-photovoltaic-market-analysis-and-forecasts-to-2020.html (accessed April 28, 2011).
THE OPPORTUNITY
Lehigh University is interested in identifying a co-development partner leading to licensing.