New organic polymer-based single-junction solar cells

Organic solar cells are an emerging technology that has the potential for low-cost processing (high speed and low temperature) and is currently the main measure to replace silicon photovoltaic technology with low-cost thin films. According to current data, the development of inverted structures extends the life of organic solar cells. By using different types of polymer active layers in combination, IMEC is ready to introduce organic photovoltaic technology into the market.

The efficiency of organic polymer-based single-junction solar cells is 6.9%. IMEC's ​​unique inverted structure and Plextronics' polymer combine perfectly to achieve new levels of efficiency for new batteries. Applying this polymer to the module can also reach a level of 5% per 25 cm 2 .

The inverted bulk heterostructure developed by IMEC has improved the efficiency of organic solar cells by at least 0.5%. In the active layer, a new buffer layer can optimize the light management device. The combination of the new inversion structure developed by IMEC and Plextronics' low-bandgap p-type macromolecule polymer can stabilize the conversion efficiency at 6.9%. According to reports, this is the highest conversion efficiency in all inverted structures and polymers.

Tom Aernouts, head of the IMEC R&D team, said, “We are very pleased to have the opportunity to work with Plextronics to combine IMEC's ​​expertise in optoelectronics with Plextronics' innovative polymer materials to achieve these outstanding results. With the constant optimization and upgrading of materials, we can also introduce multi-layered materials to obtain different spectrums of light. According to our estimation, the lifespan of organic solar cells can reach more than 10 years, and the conversion rate can reach 10% within two to three years."

Andy Hannah, president and CEO of Plextronics, added that “cooperating with industry leaders such as IMEC and Solvay gives us the opportunity to explore new ways to strengthen the development of OPV technology.”

Patrick Francoisse, Director of Solvay's Center for Product Innovation, also stated, “We are very pleased to cooperate with IMEC in the development of new OPV technologies. We believe that organic solar cells will play a greater role in the future. This cooperation with IMEC has strengthened us This emerging market offers confidence in new products.” (Translation: Star)