High-frequency polymer diode rectifiers for flexible wireless power-transmission sheets

In this work, we successfully implemented flexible high-frequency rectifying diodes on polycarbonate substrates using the polythiophene-based semiconducting polymers. We show that the appropriate conductivity of the intermediate hole-injection layer PEDOT:PSS between the anode and the semiconducting polymer is critical to simultaneously achieve enhanced forward currents and rectification ratios. Among the semiconducting polymers studied (P3HT and PQT-12), the diodes based on carefully purified PQT-12 exhibited higher forward currents, higher rectification ratios, much better environmental stability, and much higher operation frequencies. A forward current density up to ∼6 A/cm2 at 5 V, a rectification ratio up to 2 × 104 at ±5 V, and an operation frequency of the diode rectifier over 14 MHz were achieved with the PQT-12 rectifying diodes. To demonstrate the use of the high-speed polymer rectifying diodes in wireless power transmission, we integrate the polymer-based vertical Schottky diode rectifier, printed antenna and capacitors on plastic substrates to demonstrate a flexible wireless power-transmission sheet that can convert a 13.56 MHz electromagnetic wave into the dc power to drive load devices.

Flexible high-frequency rectifying diodes on polycarbonate substrates using the polythiophene-based semiconducting polymer PQT-12 were successfully implemented. Polymer diode rectifier circuits with an operation frequency over 14 MHz were achieved with the PQT-12 rectifying diodes. The polymer-based diode rectifiers were integrated on plastic substrates to demonstrate its use in 13.56 MHz flexible wireless power-transmission sheets.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Flexible high-frequency diodes were implemented using the purified PQT-12.
► An operation frequency over 14 MHz were achieved by the PQT-12 rectifier circuits.
► In this work, the PQT-12 rectifier, printed antenna and capacitors were integrated.
► We demonstrate a flexible wireless power-transmission sheet on PC substrate.
► The sheet can convert a 13.56 MHz EM wave into the dc power to drive load devices.