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Related Concept Videos

Polymers02:34

Polymers

37.5K
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the...
37.5K
P-N junction01:11

P-N junction

706
A p-n junction is formed when p-type and n-type semiconductor materials are joined together. At the interface of the p-n junction, holes from the p-side and electrons from the n-side begin to diffuse into the opposite sides due to the concentration gradient. This diffusion of carriers leads to a region around the junction where there are no free charge carriers, known as the depletion region. The charge density within the depletion region for the n-side and p-side can be described by the...
706
Polymer Classification: Architecture01:14

Polymer Classification: Architecture

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Polymers are classified as linear or branched on the basis of their chain architecture. The polymer chains in linear polymers have a long chain-like structure with minimal to no branching at all. Even if a polymer features large substituent groups on the monomer, which appear as branches to the skeleton, it is not considered a branched polymer. A branched polymer contains secondary polymer chains that arise from the main polymer chain. The branching occurs when the polymer growth shifts from...
3.1K
Characteristics and Nomenclature of Homopolymers01:00

Characteristics and Nomenclature of Homopolymers

3.3K
Polymers that are made up of identical monomer units are called homopolymers. Only one repeating unit is involved in the construction of the homopolymer structure. For example, as depicted in Figure 1, polypropylene is a homopolymer constituted of propylene monomers. Here, the only repeating unit in the polymer chain is propylene.
3.3K

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 21, 2025

Morphology Control for Fully Printable Organic–Inorganic Bulk-heterojunction Solar Cells Based on a Ti-alkoxide and Semiconducting Polymer
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Morphology Control for Fully Printable Organic–Inorganic Bulk-heterojunction Solar Cells Based on a Ti-alkoxide and Semiconducting Polymer

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Polymers in High-Efficiency Solar Cells: The Latest Reports.

Paweł Gnida1, Muhammad Faisal Amin1, Agnieszka Katarzyna Pająk2

  • 1Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, 34 M. Curie-Sklodowska Str., 41-819 Zabrze, Poland.

Polymers
|May 28, 2022
PubMed
Summary

Polymers are crucial for advancing third-generation solar cells like dye-sensitized, bulk-heterojunction, and perovskite types. Their tunable properties enhance efficiency and stability in solar energy conversion devices.

Keywords:
bulk-heterojunction solar cellsdye-sensitized solar cellsperovskite solar cellsphotovoltaicspolymersthin layers

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Renewable Energy
  • Photovoltaics

Background:

  • Third-generation solar cells (dye-sensitized, bulk-heterojunction, perovskite) are key for high solar energy conversion efficiency.
  • Stability and operating temperature range are critical challenges for these advanced solar cells.
  • Polymeric materials play diverse roles in the fabrication and performance of these devices.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the increasing use and importance of polymers in third-generation solar cells.
  • To review the specific applications of polymers in dye-sensitized, bulk-heterojunction, and perovskite solar cells.
  • To emphasize the advantages of polymers, such as chemical tunability, for solar energy applications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of polymer applications in third-generation solar cells.
  • Analysis of polymer roles as substrates, electrodes, electrolytes, dyes, donor/acceptor materials, and additives.
  • Discussion of polymer properties relevant to solar cell performance and stability.

Main Results:

  • Polymers serve as flexible substrates, counter-electrodes, and gel electrolytes in dye-sensitized solar cells.
  • Polymers function as donor materials and occasionally as acceptor materials in bulk-heterojunction solar cells.
  • Polymers are utilized as hole transport materials and additives in perovskite solar cells to enhance morphology and electron transport.

Conclusions:

  • Polymers offer significant advantages due to their modifiable chemical structures and tunable properties.
  • The versatility of polymers makes them increasingly vital for developing efficient and stable solar energy conversion devices.
  • Continued research into polymer-based solar cells is essential for future advancements in renewable energy technology.