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Enhanced Water Vapor Blocking in Transparent Hybrid Polymer-Nanocrystal Films
Eun Seon Cho1, Christopher M Evans2, Emily C Davidson2,3
1The Molecular Foundry, Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States.
ACS Macro Letters
|May 21, 2022
Summary
New composite materials using block copolymer and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanocrystals significantly improve water vapor blocking for photovoltaic (PV) modules, enhancing durability and performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Photovoltaic (PV) module encapsulation requires highly transparent materials to prevent water vapor permeation.
- Degradation of PV cells due to moisture reduces module efficiency and lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop advanced encapsulating materials with enhanced water vapor blocking properties for PV modules.
- To investigate the efficacy of a block copolymer/nanocrystal composite for moisture barrier applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a composite material using polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanocrystals.
- Evaluation of water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) for the composite and control samples.
- Assessment of material transparency.
Main Results:
- The composite material demonstrated a significant reduction in WVTR, approximately 3000 times lower than the homopolymer (PS).
- The composite maintained high transparency, crucial for PV applications.
- MgO nanocrystals enhanced water vapor blocking through physical obstruction and molecular scavenging.
Conclusions:
- The developed PS-b-P2VP/MgO composite exhibits excellent water vapor blocking capabilities.
- The material's high transparency and low WVTR make it a promising candidate for PV module encapsulation.
- This innovation could lead to more durable and efficient solar energy devices.
