Fred Wudl

Fred Wudl is widely known for his work on organic conductors and superconductors with the discovery of the electronic conductivity of the precursor to the first organic metal and superconductor. His interest in electronically conducting polymers resulted in the discovery of the first transparent organic conductor and the first self-doped polymers. Currently, he performs research on plastic solar cells with the goal of developing new materials to improve the efficiency of the solar cells within the concepts developed at UCSB over a decade ago, as well as employing possible new concepts. Wudl is also researching the design and synthesis of organic molecules and polymers for applications in organic light emitting diodes (LEDs). Additional research interests include the optical and electro-optical properties of processable conjugated polymers, as well as the organic chemistry of fullerenes and the design and preparation of self-mending and self-healing materials.