Scientists achieve 20% efficiency in organic solar cells with new molecular design

To make natural photo voltaic cells (OSC) aggressive, the light-absorbing molecules ought to concurrently fulfill a number of key necessities, together with a weak-absorption cost switch state, a excessive dielectric fixed, appropriate floor power and correct crystallinity.

Scientists on the Hong Kong Polytechnic College (PolyU) have developed a rational design of non-fullerene acceptor (NFA) with distinct photoelectric properties. This innovation has enabled organic solar cells to attain an effectivity of 19.9%. The workforce additional surpassed 20% effectivity mark past the NC work.

This achievement of 20% power conversion efficiency marks a major milestone in photovoltaics (PV) know-how. PV is the method of changing mild (photons) to electrical energy (voltage). Whereas energy conversion effectivity is important for sensible functions, you will need to think about different necessities as effectively.

Prof. Gang Li, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Endowed Professor in Renewable Power, Chair Professor of Power Conversion Expertise of the Division of Electrical and Digital Engineering of PolyU, and his analysis workforce have designed NFA molecules that present larger open circuit voltage (Voc) /photovoltage, whereas sustaining molecular structural compatibility.

The analysis, titled, “Rational molecular and device design enables organic cells approaching 20% efficiency” was revealed in Nature Communications.

The NFA was then included into the binary PM6:eC9 OSC to create a ternary system, which efficiently achieved larger Voc and energy conversion effectivity. This system has uplifted cost switch state, leading to vital power loss discount and wonderful effectivity, miscibility, crystallinity, and power stage compatibility.

This novel design integrates interdisciplinary analysis in new supplies, chemistry, and system engineering. This work paves the best way for designing NFA visitor molecules for top efficiency OSCs.

Prof. Li’s analysis group has targeted on three features of OSC: effectivity, stability in materials and system improvement, in addition to the construction for extremely secure OSCs and potential novel functions in clear photo voltaic cells.