Self-Powering Sensory Device with Multi-Spectrum Image Realization for Smart Indoor Environments

Area of Science:

• Organic optoelectronics
• Sustainable energy harvesting
• Indoor Internet of Things (IoT) applications

Background:

• Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) and photodetectors (OPDs) are promising for indoor IoT but face manufacturing complexity and cost limitations.
• Standalone OPVs and OPDs have limited scalability for widespread indoor applications.
• There is a need for integrated, cost-effective solutions for indoor energy harvesting and sensing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a self-powering, dual-functional sensory device using a multi-component photoactive structure.
• To enhance energy harvesting and sensing capabilities for indoor ambient energy sources.
• To overcome the limitations of standalone OPVs and OPDs in terms of cost and scalability.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a multi-component photoactive structure for integrated energy harvesting and sensing.
• Quantification of charge carrier dynamics to optimize free-charge generation.
• Performance evaluation of the device under indoor lighting conditions (LED 1000 lx, 5200 K).

Main Results:

• Optimized device achieved high output power densities: >81 µW cm^-2 (rigid) and >76 µW cm^-2 (flexible) under indoor conditions.
• Demonstrated a single-pixel image sensor prototype with a linear dynamic range >130 dB (photovoltaic mode).
• Validated effective energy harvesting and sensing capabilities in a dual-functional device.

Conclusions:

• The developed dual-functional OPV-OPD device offers a viable solution for sustainable indoor electronics.
• High-performance energy harvesting and sensing pave the way for practical multifunctional applications.
• This integrated approach provides a roadmap for advancing indoor IoT technologies.