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Lowering Toxicity of Solvent in Organic Solar Cells Manufacturing for 20% Efficiency
Rui Zeng1, Fei Han1, Wenkai Zhong1
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Thermal Aging, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
Researchers developed a new, eco-friendly solvent processing method for organic photovoltaics (OPVs). This method achieved a 20.0% power conversion efficiency (PCE) in devices and 17.6% in mini-modules, enhancing solar energy solutions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy Technologies
- Organic Electronics
Background:
- Thin film organic photovoltaics (OPVs) offer a sustainable path for solar energy, emphasizing environmental friendliness, high efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
- Optimization of OPV device and mini-module engineering preparation technology is crucial for practical application.
- Development of low-ecological-impact solvent processing methods is a key research focus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize an environmentally benign solvent engineering strategy for high-performance OPVs.
- To achieve high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability in OPV devices and scalable mini-modules.
- To explore microscale patterning for enhanced light absorption and flexible installation.
Main Methods:
- A novel solvent engineering strategy using o-xylene (OXY) with dual additives (DIM and DIB) was employed.
- Optimization of the ternary solvent composition (TCE:OXY) for processing OPV active layers.
- Fabrication and characterization of OPV devices and mini-modules, including PCE, stability, and microscale patterning.
Main Results:
- An optimal power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.0% was achieved in OPV devices (JSC=26.6 mA cm-2, VOC=0.935 V, FF=80.3%).
- Exceptional operational stability was demonstrated, retaining 82% of initial performance after 1500 hours.
- Scalable mini-modules processed with an optimized TCE:OXY (1:3 v/v) solvent reached 17.6% PCE over an area of 18.4 cm2.
- Microscale patterns were integrated, improving light reception angles for building-integrated photovoltaics.
Conclusions:
- The developed environmentally benign solvent system significantly advances OPV performance and stability.
- This strategy represents a breakthrough in safe solvent-based OPVs, achieving record performance for mini-modules.
- The findings pave the way for practical, large-scale application of OPVs in sustainable energy generation and building integration.
