Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular and affordable, but they still face some challenges, such as limited range, high battery costs, and environmental impact. One possible solution is to use solar energy to power EVs, but conventional solar cells are rigid, bulky, and inefficient. However, a team of researchers from South Korea has developed a new type of stretchable organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) that can achieve 19% efficiency and can be integrated into various surfaces, such as car roofs, windows, and even clothing.
What are stretchable organic photovoltaic cells?
OPVs are thin-film solar cells that use organic materials, such as polymers and small molecules, to convert light into electricity. OPVs have some advantages over traditional silicon-based solar cells, such as lower cost, lighter weight, flexibility, and transparency. However, OPVs also have some drawbacks, such as lower efficiency, stability, and durability.
To overcome these challenges, the South Korean researchers, led by Professor Kilwon Cho from the Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), developed a new OPV design that can achieve high efficiency and stretchability. The key innovation is the use of a nanowire network as the transparent electrode, which can maintain high conductivity and transparency even when stretched up to 40%. The researchers also optimized the active layer, the interfacial layer, and the encapsulation layer to enhance the performance and stability of the OPVs.
The result is a stretchable OPV that can achieve a record-breaking efficiency of 19%, which is comparable to the best rigid OPVs and much higher than the previous stretchable OPVs. The stretchable OPV can also withstand repeated stretching and bending without losing efficiency or functionality. Moreover, the stretchable OPV can be fabricated using a simple and scalable process, which makes it suitable for mass production and commercialization.
How can stretchable solar cells benefit electric vehicles?
The stretchable OPVs can be integrated into various surfaces and shapes, such as car roofs, windows, and even clothing. This can provide additional power sources for EVs, extending their range, reducing their battery size and weight, and lowering their carbon footprint. For example, the researchers estimated that a stretchable OPV integrated into a car roof can generate about 10% of the total power consumption of an EV, which can increase the driving distance by about 10 km per day. The stretchable OPV can also be used to power other devices, such as sensors, displays, and smart fabrics.
The stretchable OPVs are efficient, durable, aesthetically pleasing, and customizable. The researchers demonstrated that the stretchable OPVs can be made into various colors and patterns, such as red, green, blue, and even camouflage, by adjusting the thickness and composition of the active layer. The stretchable OPVs can also be made transparent, allowing light to pass through and creating a natural ambiance inside the car.
What are the challenges and opportunities for stretchable solar cells?
Stretchable OPVs are a promising technology for EVs and other applications, but they still face some challenges and limitations. For instance, stretchable OPVs need to be further improved in terms of efficiency, stability, and durability, especially under harsh conditions, such as high temperature, humidity, and UV exposure. The stretchable OPVs must also be tested and validated in real-world scenarios, such as on-road driving, to evaluate their performance and reliability. Furthermore, the stretchable OPVs must be compatible and integrated with other components and systems, such as batteries, inverters, and controllers, to ensure optimal operation and safety.
Despite these challenges, the stretchable OPVs also offer many opportunities and potentials for future development and innovation. For example, the stretchable OPVs can be combined with other types of solar cells, such as perovskite and quantum dot, to create tandem or hybrid solar cells that can achieve higher efficiency and broader spectrum absorption. The stretchable OPVs can also be integrated with other functionalities, such as sensing, heating, and lighting, to create multifunctional and smart surfaces. Moreover, the stretchable OPVs can be applied to other fields and sectors, such as aerospace, marine, and wearable, to enable new and novel applications and solutions.
Conclusion
The stretchable OPVs developed by South Korean researchers are a breakthrough for solar energy and EVs, as they can achieve high efficiency and stretchability and can be integrated into various surfaces and shapes. The stretchable OPVs can provide additional power sources for EVs, extending their range, reducing their battery size and weight, and lowering their carbon footprint. The stretchable OPVs can also be made into various colors and patterns and can be transparent, enhancing the aesthetic and comfort of the car. The stretchable OPVs are efficient, durable but also simple, and scalable, making them suitable for mass production and commercialization.
The stretchable OPVs are a promising technology for EVs and other applications, but they still need to be further improved and tested in terms of efficiency, stability, durability, and compatibility. Stretchable OPVs also offer many opportunities and potential for future development and innovation, such as tandem or hybrid solar cells, multifunctional and smart surfaces, and new and novel applications and solutions. The stretchable OPVs are a game-changer for solar energy and EVs and can pave the way for a sustainable, clean-energy future. ? @via ScienceDaily.
