• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Printed Electronics
    • Raw Materials
    • Equipment
    • Services
    • Suppliers Guide
    • Resources
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Printed Electronics
  • Raw Materials
  • Equipment
  • Services
  • Suppliers Guide
  • Resources
  • Current & Past Issues
    Features
    Editorials
    Digital Edition
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Breaking News
    Experts Opinion
    Financial News
    Manufacturers News
    Mergers and Acquisitions
    Online Exclusives
    Personnel
    Product Releases
    Suppliers News
    Live From Shows
    Displays and Lighting
    Photovoltaics
    Printed Batteries
    Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics
    Flexible and Printed Electronics
    RFID and NFC
    Sensors and Wearables
    Smart Cards and Packaging
    Touch Screens
    Adhesives, Barriers and Encapsulants
    Chemicals, Metals and Powders
    Conductive Inks and Coatings
    Electronic Materials
    Film, Paper, Glass and Substrates
    Graphene, Perovskites and Carbon Nanotubes
    Nanomaterials
    Printed Electronic Components
    Research Reports
    Semiconductors and Quantum Dots
    Energy Curing Equipment
    Lab and Testing Equipment
    Manufacturing Equipment
    Printing Equipment
    3D Printing
    Contract Manufacturing Services
    Product Design and Testing
    Research and Consulting
    Research Institutions
    Research Reports
    Universities
    Equipment
    All Companies
    Materials
    Categories
    Converting
    Printed Electronics Systems
    Associations
    Research and Services
    Used Machinery
    Add New Company
    Industry Events
    Live from show events
    Podcasts
    Videos
    Blogs
    Slideshows
    Infographics
    Webinars
    Whitepapers
    Equipment and Services
    Glossary
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Suppliers Guide
      • Suppliers Guide
      • Add Your Company
    • Printed Electronics
      • Photovoltaics
      • Printed Batteries
      • Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics
      • Flexible and Printed Electronics
      • RFID and NFC
      • Sensors and Wearables
      • Smart Cards and Packaging
      • Touch Screens
    • Raw Materials
      • Adhesives, Barriers and Encapsulants
      • Chemicals, Metals and Powders
      • Conductive Inks and Coatings
      • Electronic Materials
      • Film, Paper, Glass and Substrates
      • Graphene, Perovskites and Carbon Nanotubes
      • Nanomaterials
      • Semiconductors and Quantum Dots
    • Equipment
      • Energy Curing Equipment
      • Lab and Testing Equipment
      • Manufacturing Equipment
      • Printing Equipment
      • 3D Printing
    • Services
      • Contract Manufacturing Services
      • Product Design and Testing
      • Research and Consulting
      • Research Institutions
      • Research Reports
      • Universities
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Blog
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from show events
      • Webinars
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Breaking News

    NREL: New Design Strategy Pushes Organic Photovoltaics Past 18% Efficiency

    Holistic strategy optimizes electronic structure and morphology, opening a new route to higher-efficiency organic photovoltaic devices.

    NREL: New Design Strategy Pushes Organic Photovoltaics Past 18% Efficiency
    02.11.21

    National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Research Scientist Bryon Larson, as part of an international research team, achieved a record-breaking 18.07% power conversion efficiency from an organic photovoltaic (OPV) solar cell – or as such materials are better known: Plastic. 

     

    Historically, OPV cells have mostly improved through an iterative process. 

     

    However, Larson and his collaborators have hit upon an “aha!” moment with a new design strategy that simultaneously improves the cell’s open-circuit voltage, short-circuits voltage, and fill factor.

     

    Concurrently improving all three of these primary metrics – which represent how efficiently a solar cell converts sunlight into electricity – is difficult due to the traditional constraints of only using two components to create the binary donor-acceptor blend in an OPV cell’s light-absorbing layer. 

     

    Changing a single component to improve one metric can negatively affect another, leading to performance trade-offs.

     

    “The name of the game for advancing OPV is new materials,” Larson said. “But because of the way that OPVs work, every time you introduce new material into the absorber blend, you have to reoptimize everything about the cell design. It’s a time-consuming, haphazard process, like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Our strategy demonstrates a quaternary, four-component, approach where each component works in synergy to avoid performance trade-offs and to produce a high power conversion efficiency.”

     

    The absorber layer in an OPV cell is responsible for light absorption, exciton splitting to generate positive and negative charges, and effective transport of charges to the contacts to produce photocurrent.

     

    The design of a traditional OPV cell struggles to balance the electronic and morphological characteristics of just two sets of molecules or polymers for all these functions.

     

    Larson, working with researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, showed that using four components in an OPV device’s active layer could better balance the microstructure and electronic function of the cell’s absorber layer. 

     

    This holistic strategy is described in the Nature Communications article “Single-layered organic photovoltaics with double cascading charge transport pathways: 18% efficiencies.”


    Organic photovoltaic devices (OPV) use a unique process to convert sunlight into electricity. This graphic depicts a cross-section of an OPV device that has an active layer only 100 nanometers thick and explains the basic operating physics that are unique to OPV. Their low cost and flexible form factor could enable new applications for solar energy. Image by Bryon Larson, NREL

     

    The research article describes numerous strategies to optimize light absorption, carrier transport, and charge-transfer-state energy levels when the chemical structures and excited-state properties of the additional donor and acceptor components are considered. 
     
    On a molecular level, each of the four components has unique absorption, transport, and electrical properties that can contribute to realizing the optimal OPV configuration.
     
    The quaternary donor-acceptor mixture makes double cascading energy level alignment possible in the active layer, enabling efficient exciton splitting and long carrier lifetimes. 
     
    The second donor component generates cascading charge-hopping channels that allow manipulation of multiple charge-transfer pathways to maximize the carrier transport and reduce recombination. 
     
    The second acceptor component improves electron transport and promotes extraction efficiency. 
     
    The electronic structure and morphology of each of the four components of the quaternary blend mixture are fine-tuned through molecular design to maximize light absorption, exciton splitting, and carrier extraction, ultimately improving power conversion efficiency in OPV devices.
     
    OPV materials are semiconductors made up of common organic elements like carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, fluorine, oxygen, and sulfur. 
     
    They are man-made molecules and polymers that can be synthesized in a chemistry lab. 
     
    These non-toxic "plastics" can even be easily recycled back into their constituent building blocks. 
     
    Their raw materials are cheap, infinitely abundant, and the manufacturing processes for creating them have been used for decades in industries that fabricate household items like plastic wrap and Tupperware.
     
    OPV blends are handled in liquid form and sprayed or coated onto rigid or flexible surfaces, meaning OPV modules could be printed in the same way as newspapers. 
     
    The amount of potential applications is broad, yet OPV’s have only been intensively researched since the early 2000s after a relatively new molecule called fullerene (its discovery led to a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996) was incorporated as the acceptor component in OPV cells. 
     
    A second Nobel Prize in 2000 recognized the discovery and development of conductive polymers.
     
    “Both of those Nobel Prizes were a really big deal in the history of OPV,” Larson said. “Everyone thinks of plastics as insulators, but to have a polymer-based electronic device that acts as a semiconductor—that opened up a world of new options.”

     

     
    Suggested For You
    Integrated Electronics Trend to Drive In-Mold Electronics to $1.5 Billion by 2032: IDTechEx Integrated Electronics Trend to Drive In-Mold Electronics to $1.5 Billion by 2032: IDTechEx
    President Biden Makes Historic Visit to NREL President Biden Makes Historic Visit to NREL's Flatirons Campus
    Counterfeit-Proof and Unique Identification Shows Authenticity of Products Counterfeit-Proof and Unique Identification Shows Authenticity of Products
    IDTechEx Forecast Market for Fully Printed Sensors Will Reach $4.9 Billion by 2032 IDTechEx Forecast Market for Fully Printed Sensors Will Reach $4.9 Billion by 2032
    The Future of Agriculture Combined With Renewable Energy Finds Success at Jack’s Solar Garden The Future of Agriculture Combined With Renewable Energy Finds Success at Jack’s Solar Garden
    Metalcraft Launches Inlay Innovation for RFID Inlay Design, Fabrication Metalcraft Launches Inlay Innovation for RFID Inlay Design, Fabrication
    Adesis Announces Expansion at Delaware’s DuPont Experimental Station Adesis Announces Expansion at Delaware’s DuPont Experimental Station
    Empa Sets New Record Efficiency for Flexible Solar Cells Empa Sets New Record Efficiency for Flexible Solar Cells
    Pusan University Researchers Develop ‘Super-Flexible’ Electroluminescent Devices for Wearables Pusan University Researchers Develop ‘Super-Flexible’ Electroluminescent Devices for Wearables
    NREL Launches Nonprofit Foundation to Fund Research, Scholarships NREL Launches Nonprofit Foundation to Fund Research, Scholarships
    Brady Corporation Reports Fiscal 4Q 2021 Results Brady Corporation Reports Fiscal 4Q 2021 Results
    New Partnership Set to Future Proof Process Manufacturing in Scotland New Partnership Set to Future Proof Process Manufacturing in Scotland
    Adesis Names Linda Choi MacDonald New COO Adesis Names Linda Choi MacDonald New COO
    ‘Smart’ Shirt Using Carbon Nanotube Threads Keeps Tabs on the Heart ‘Smart’ Shirt Using Carbon Nanotube Threads Keeps Tabs on the Heart
    Semiconductor Specialist onsemi to Acquire GT Advanced Technologies Semiconductor Specialist onsemi to Acquire GT Advanced Technologies

    Related Expert's Opinion

    • Manufacturers News | Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics | Research Reports | Suppliers News
      Integrated Electronics Trend to Drive In-Mold Electronics to $1.5 Billion by 2032: IDTechEx

      Integrated Electronics Trend to Drive In-Mold Electronics to $1.5 Billion by 2032: IDTechEx

      Among other applications, IME is an efficient approach to making curved touch-sensitive interfaces.
      IDTechEx 09.22.21

    • Breaking News | Photovoltaics | Research Institutions
      President Biden Makes Historic Visit to NREL

      President Biden Makes Historic Visit to NREL's Flatirons Campus

      Energy Secretary Granholm, Colorado Governor Polis join the president on tour of cutting-edge renewable energy research.
      Sean Marchant, NREL 09.16.21

    • Breaking News | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Research Institutions | Smart Cards and Packaging
      Counterfeit-Proof and Unique Identification Shows Authenticity of Products

      Counterfeit-Proof and Unique Identification Shows Authenticity of Products

      Fraunhofer SmartID project looks to develop a novel marking system that can determine the authenticity of products via smart devices even while offline.
      09.15.21


    • Breaking News | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Research Reports | Sensors and Wearables
      IDTechEx Forecast Market for Fully Printed Sensors Will Reach $4.9 Billion by 2032

      IDTechEx Forecast Market for Fully Printed Sensors Will Reach $4.9 Billion by 2032

      There are multiple factors that are driving the adoption of many types of printed/flexible sensors.
      Dr. Matthew Dyson, IDTechEx 09.14.21

    • Breaking News | Photovoltaics | Research Institutions
      The Future of Agriculture Combined With Renewable Energy Finds Success at Jack’s Solar Garden

      The Future of Agriculture Combined With Renewable Energy Finds Success at Jack’s Solar Garden

      The garden generates enough power for more than 300 homes from 3,276 solar panels.
      09.14.21

    Loading, Please Wait..
    Breaking News
    • NRF Announces FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam as Keynote Speaker
    • ams OSRAM Launches SFH 7018 Multi-LED Package
    • Applied Materials Receives SBTi Validation
    • Q3 2023 Global Semiconductor Equipment Billings Drop 11% Year-Over-Year: SEMI
    • Weekly Recap: Avery Dennison and 49ers, Linxens Top This Week’s Stories
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    Winter 2021

    • Printed Electronics Now’s International Suppliers’ Directory
    • The Automotive Market and Flexible and Printed Electronics
    • Flexible and Printed Electronics in Healthcare
    • Flexible and Printed Electronics Make Gains in Smart Packaging
    • PAPERONICS: Low-cost multisensory paper and packaging applications
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Euromed Receives EcoVadis Platinum Medal for ESG Efforts
    Rousselot Receives U.S. Patent for Gelatin that Improves Softgel Stability, Efficacy
    CRN-International Announces New Publication Identifying Global Nutrient Gaps
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    BASF: Chemistry and Sustainability – A Perfect Match
    PPG Again Recognized Among Foundry’s Computerworld ‘Best Places to Work in IT in 2024’
    Dunn-Edwards Celebrates Opening of Santa Rosa, CA Storefront
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Philips Launches 3 New Fit for Purpose MR Smart Fit Coils
    Pulse Biosciences, CardioNXT Partner on First-in-Human Afib Study
    Agiliti Replaces CEO With Former Chief Executive
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Abbisko, Merck Enter Licensing Agreement for Pimicotinib
    Roche to Acquire Carmot Therapeutics for $2.7B Upfront
    Rentschler Biopharma Names Günter Stempfer Site Head in Germany
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Varsity Spirit Introduces Beauty Line Inspired by and Designed for Athletes
    Amyris Sells Four Consumer Beauty Brands
    Anisa International Earns Silver Sustainability Rating from EcoVadis
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Designs for Health Launches Two New Collagen Formulas
    Doug Gillespie Appointed CEO of Beauty By Imagination, Inc.
    Theraderm Unveils Night Cream With Retinol and Peptides
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Chemistry and Sustainability – A Perfect Match: BASF
    Xeikon Highlights Digital Expertise at Labelexpo Asia
    Kongsberg Launches New Digital Cutting Platform
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Avery Dennison achieves +Vantage Vinyl verification
    GMG appoints Oscar Trevino to sales team
    Xeikon brings digital expertise to Labelexpo Asia
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Bunting Magnetics Announces Personnel Appointments
    Mativ Completes Sale of Engineered Papers Business
    Mehmet Dasdemir Joins Nonwovens Institute
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Nalu SCS System Shows 75% Pain Reduction in U.S. Study
    CTL Amedica’s MONET ACIF Approved for Use in Mexico
    New Wearable Device Helps Improve Postural Control and Reduce Fall Risk
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    NRF Announces FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam as Keynote Speaker
    ams OSRAM Launches SFH 7018 Multi-LED Package
    Applied Materials Receives SBTi Validation

    Copyright © 2023 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login