Organic electronics

The organic side of electronics lies in the use of semiconducting plastics, conjugated polymers. The world's first organic transistor and the world's first chemical chip were developed at LiU. Different research groups are working in areas as diverse as energy storage and energy recovery, LEDs and solar cells, electronic plants and bioelectronics.

World-leading basic research at Linköping University goes hand in hand with applied research and development.  Close cooperation with RISE has led to several products in printed electronics reaching the market in record time, such as a biosensor that measures blood sugar levels and a simple battery tester. More products are in the pipeline.

In bioelectronics, organic electronics convert the body's chemical signals into traditional electronic signals or signals that can be read in mobile phones. The role of conjugated polymers as a tool for the early diagnosis of diseases is also being studied.

Organic solar cells is another important research area with world leading results.

The Laboratory of Organic Electronics at LiU has an advanced cleanroom and there are printing machines in the nearby Printed Electronics Arena. 

Together with colleagues in other universities, researchers in bioelectronics run networks and a company called OBOE IPR, which manages patents and other rights in the area.

Selling energy by the metre

Organic solar cells from the presses

In 30 years, organic solar cells have gone from basic research to practical use. One year from now, they will be commercially available. Professor emeritus Olle Inganäs gives us his thoughts.

The video is texted in English.

Videos

Electronic gelling

Video
The material has been placed around a conducting fibre. In contact with an electrolyte, it expands to 100 times its volume when the first pulse, 0.8 V, is applied. When a pulse of -0.8 V is subsequently applied, it returns nearly to its original form. This can be repeated several times. Read more about the research here.

 


Heat and light sensing

Video
Inspired by the behaviour of natural skin, researchers at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics have developed a sensor that will be suitable for use with electronic skin. It can measure changes in body temperature, and react to both sunlight and warm touch. Read more about the research here

Storing energy in roses

Video
Eleni Stavrinidou leads a research group at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics working with electronic plants. The research, which has until now been financed by a free research grant from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, has led to a completely new multidisciplinary field of research with a huge potential benefit to society.

Ongoing research

Power plant, organic electronics, a red rose.

Laboratory of Organic Electronics

At Laboratory of Organic Electronics, LOE, we explore electronic and optical properties of organic materials and organic-inorganic hybrid systems.

Functional electronic materials

In the Functional Electronic Materials group, we conduct scientific research on various state-of-the-art materials.

Kvävgas, upphällning till termos

Organic Energy Materials

We investigate the thermoelectric properties of electronic organic conductors, as well as ionic conductors and mixed conductors. From those properties, we fabricate devices...

News

Person holding a small wooden construction infront of face.

The world’s first wood transistor

Researchers at Linköping University and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed the world’s first transistor made of wood. Their study paves the way for further development of wood-based electronics and control of electronic plants.

Three people in LOE dressed in lab-coats, disposable caps and protective masks.

Building artificial nerve cells

For the first time researchers demonstrate an artificial organic neuron, a nerve cell, that can be integrated with a living plant and an artificial organic synapse. The neuron and the synapse are made from printed organic electrochemical transistors.

Akchheta Karki and Magnus Jonsson behind a board showing the function of the antennas.

Nanoantennas for light controlled electrically

Researchers at LiU have developed optical nanoantennas that can be turned on/off and gradually tuned by applying electrical potentials. The study opens for applications including dynamic flat metaoptics and tuneable smart materials.

Strategic research