Flexible Organic Solar Cells: From Material Design and Morphology Optimization to Practical Applications.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Energy Science
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Flexible organic solar cells (F-OSCs) are vital for next-generation wearable electronics due to their lightweight, flexible, and biocompatible nature.
• Their multi-layer structure presents complex mechanical failure mechanisms that hinder practical application.
• A systematic understanding of degradation pathways is crucial for engineering mechanically robust F-OSCs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review strategies for enhancing the mechanical durability of F-OSCs.
• To maintain and optimize optoelectronic performance alongside mechanical robustness.
• To guide rational device engineering for practical wearable technology.

Main Methods:

• Summarizing standardized mechanical testing protocols for F-OSC active layers and devices.
• Analyzing material design principles focusing on molecular aggregation and entanglement for fracture resistance.
• Reviewing advancements in stretchable interface materials and electrode architectures for improved deformation durability.

Main Results:

• Identification of key strategies in material design and device architecture to improve F-OSC mechanical durability.
• Demonstration of optimized molecular aggregation and entanglement in active layers for fracture resistance.
• Showcasing progress in stretchable interfaces and electrodes enhancing device resilience under deformation.

Conclusions:

• Mechanically robust F-OSCs are achievable through optimized material design and device architecture.
• A unified strategy integrating molecular engineering with device design is necessary for practical applications.
• This review accelerates the development of durable F-OSCs for widespread wearable technology integration.