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Keratin Film as Natural and Eco‐Friendly Support for Organic Optoelectronic Devices
Author(s) -
Posati Tamara,
Aluigi Annalisa,
Donnadio Anna,
Sotgiu Giovanna,
Mosconi Michele,
Muccini Michele,
Ruani Giampiero,
Zamboni Roberto,
Seri Mirko
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advanced sustainable systems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.499
H-Index - 24
ISSN - 2366-7486
DOI - 10.1002/adsu.201900080
Subject(s) - materials science , keratin , fabrication , thermal stability , optical transparency , environmentally friendly , optoelectronics , photovoltaic system , transparency (behavior) , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , computer science , medicine , ecology , alternative medicine , computer security , pathology , engineering , biology
This work describes the preparation of a novel substrate based on keratin extracted from wool and its application as potential support for solution‐processed organic solar cells. Optically transparent, free‐standing, and resistant keratin films are successfully prepared, starting from water solution, and characterized in terms of morphology, structure, thermal and mechanical properties. The effect of solvents and thermal annealing is also investigated in order to mimic and evaluate the impact of the processing conditions used for devices fabrication. Thermally annealed keratin films exhibit enhanced optical transparency (>87%) in the visible region of the spectrum, a transition from α‐helix to β‐sheet and turn structures, improved thermal stability and Young's modulus. The good transparency, flatness, and resistance of as‐cast substrates allow the successful preparation of organic solar cells. Photovoltaic performances similar to those reported for other natural/biobased supports are achieved, confirming the potential of keratin film as an alternative and promising support material for eco‐friendly, fully printable, sustainable, and inexpensive optoelectronic devices.