Cross-linker additive boosts organic solar cell lifespan by 59%

A world workforce of researchers affiliated with UNIST has unveiled a novel cross-linker additive that considerably addresses the longstanding stability points related to natural photo voltaic cells, also referred to as natural photovoltaics (OPVs).

With the incorporation of simply 0.05% of this cross-linking agent, the lifespan of OPVs will be improved by over 59%. Trade analysts recommend this breakthrough brings the commercialization of OPVs—considered next-generation photo voltaic cells—nearer to actuality.

Led by Professor BongSoo Kim within the Division of Chemistry at UNIST, the analysis workforce, in collaboration with researchers from the College of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), the College of Lille in France, and the French Nationwide Heart for Scientific Analysis (CNRS), recognized the operational ideas of this progressive cross-linker utilizing a wide range of superior analytical strategies.

The findings had been revealed in ACS Vitality Letters.

OPVs are rising as promising next-generation photo voltaic cells attributable to their ease of producing and adaptability, permitting them to be utilized as movies. Nonetheless, the inherent nature of natural supplies poses challenges for long-term stabilitynotably beneath warmth publicity.

Whereas earlier methods have explored the addition of cross-linkers to reinforce stability, extreme quantities have usually led to a lower in battery effectivity.

The analysis workforce developed a six-bridged azide cross-linker (6Bx), a extremely environment friendly photo-crosslinker that demonstrates superior stabilizing results with minimal additive portions. 6Bx consists of six azide cross-linkable items, which allows a powerful theoretical cross-linking effectivity of 96%.

This effectivity considerably surpasses that of typical cross-linkers, with 4 azide items yielding an effectivity of 82% (4Bx) and two azide items leading to solely 36% (2Bx).

The reported OPVs fabricated with the brand new cross-linker demonstrated a powerful effectivity of 11.70% even after 1,680 hours (70 days) at 85°C, retaining 93.4% of their preliminary effectivity. In distinction, OPVs produced with out the cross-linker skilled a decline in effectivity to eight.17%, representing solely 58.7% of the preliminary effectivity of 13.92%. This signifies a greater than 59% enchancment in efficiency longevity.

The analysis workforce additionally found that the elevated efficiency will be attributed to the efficient suppression of molecular motion of the Y6 acceptor molecule within the photoactive layer of OPV gadgets, enabled by cross-linking reactions.

Professor Kim states, “We have successfully addressed the chronic stability issues in organic solar cells through the development of high-efficiency photo-crosslinking agents and comprehensive investigations into their mechanisms. This research will significantly contribute to the development of stability enhancement technologies for the commercialization of OPVs.”