Wireless self-charging system uses near-IR light and quantum dots

Oct. 8, 2018
Colloidal-quantum-dot photovoltaics serve as low-cost, efficient wireless charging devices.

Wireless charging is becoming more commonplace, especially for wearable electronic devices. Researchers from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST; Daejeon, Korea) have now developed a wireless self-charging platform for low-power wearable electronics in which near-infrared (near-IR) light is converted to electrical energy using colloidal quantum-dots (CQDs). The novel technology can be applied to flexible, wearable charging systems without needing any attachments.

CQDs are promising materials for manufacturing semiconductors; in particular, lead sulfide (PbS)-based CQDs have optical tunability from the visible to infrared wavelength region. As a result, they can be used in various devices such as lighting, photovoltaics (PVs), and photodetectors. Research on CQD-based optoelectronic devices has increased their power conversion efficiency (PCE) to 12%; however, applicable fields have not yet been found for them.

A joint team led by Professor Jung-Yong Lee from the Graduate School of Energy, Environment, Water and Sustainability and Jang Wok Choi from Seoul National University decided to apply CQD PVs with high quantum efficiency in the near-IR band to self-charging systems on wearable devices. The system was composed of a PbS CQD-based PV module, a flexible interdigitated lithium-ion battery, and various types of near-IR-transparent films.

The team removed the existing battery from an already commercialized wearable healthcare bracelet and replaced it with the self-charging system. They confirmed that the system worked and had high photostability and efficiency.

"I believe that this will be a novel platform for energy conversion and that its application can be further extended to various fields, including mobiles, IoT (Internet of Things), and drones," says Lee.

Source: https://www.kaist.ac.kr/_prog/_board/?code=ed_news&mode=V&no=86881&upr_ntt_no=86881&site_dvs_cd=en&menu_dvs_cd=0601

About the Author

John Wallace | Senior Technical Editor (1998-2022)

John Wallace was with Laser Focus World for nearly 25 years, retiring in late June 2022. He obtained a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and physics at Rutgers University and a master's in optical engineering at the University of Rochester. Before becoming an editor, John worked as an engineer at RCA, Exxon, Eastman Kodak, and GCA Corporation.

Sponsored Recommendations

How Precision Motion Systems are Shaping the Future of Semiconductor Manufacturing

March 28, 2024
This article highlights the pivotal role precision motion systems play in supporting the latest semiconductor manufacturing trends.

Understanding 3D Printing Tolerances: A Guide to Achieving Precision in Additive Manufacturing

March 28, 2024
In the world of additive manufacturing, precision is paramount. One crucial aspect of ensuring precision in 3D printing is understanding tolerances. In this article, we’ll explore...

Automation Technologies to Scale PIC Testing from Lab to Fab

March 28, 2024
This webinar will cover the basics of precision motion systems for PIC testing and discuss the ways motion solutions can be specifically designed to address the production-scale...

Case Study: Medical Tube Laser Processing

March 28, 2024
To enhance their cardiovascular stent’s precision, optimize throughput and elevate part quality, a renowned manufacturer of medical products embarked on a mission to fabricate...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!