Organic Photovoltaic Cells for Reliable Energy Generation in Deep Space Environments

Lightweight, flexible, and capable of high specific power, organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells represent a promising solution for energy generation in deep space. However, their practical operation under such extreme conditions remains in its infancy. Here we reveal that low temperatures reshape the intrinsic energetics and charge dynamics of OPV cells. As temperature decreases, the density of states narrows and the quasi-Fermi level splitting increases, enhancing the open-circuit voltage. Yet, the reduced driving force constrains exciton dissociation and charge transport, highlighting the need for next-generation active layers with enhanced driving forces. Meanwhile, cathode interlayer materials that facilitate charge extraction through interfacial dipole effects demonstrate superior performance at cryogenic temperatures. Flexible OPV cells based on polyimide substrates exhibit remarkable mechanical resilience under such conditions. These findings provide guiding principles for the design of efficient, durable, and adaptable photovoltaic systems for future deep space exploration.