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Published on: February 4, 2013
Programmable 3D Photovoltaics via Mechanically Origami-Coded Interlocked 3D Kirigami and Nano-Root Anchored
Seok Joon Hwang1, Jiwon Ryu1,2, Byungsoo Kang1
1Sustainable Energy Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|June 9, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a new origami-inspired 3D kirigami platform for 3D photovoltaics (3DPVs). This technology achieves high stretchability and coverage, enabling advanced deformable energy systems.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Energy Systems Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- 3D photovoltaics (3DPVs) offer enhanced space utilization and power output for next-generation energy systems.
- Current 3DPVs face limitations in deformable applications, presenting a trade-off between stretchability and areal coverage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel 3D kirigami platform for programmable 3D photovoltaics (3DPVs) that overcomes the stretchability-areal coverage trade-off.
- To enable 3DPVs with high mechanical stretchability and stable power output for deformable applications.
Main Methods:
- Engineered a single-material, mechanically origami-coded 3D kirigami platform.
- Implemented an origami-inspired mechanical coding scheme for programmable folding behavior.
- Co-fabricated an intrinsically integrable nano-root anchored conductor for reliable electrical integration.
Main Results:
- Achieved ultrahigh stretchability (500%) and initial effective areal coverage (225%) using the origami-coded kirigami platform.
- Demonstrated stable photovoltaic output under extreme deformation and repeated cycling.
- Enabled reversible stack-and-connect operation with a novel conductor.
Conclusions:
- Geometric programmability is a key enabler for freeform photovoltaics.
- The developed platform establishes a pathway toward multifunctional 3D energy systems for adaptive devices and urban energy harvesting.
