In situ vapor-deposited parylene substrates for ultra-thin, lightweight organic solar cells

Abstract

We fabricate the thinnest (1.3 µm) and lightest (3.6 g/m 2) solar cells yet demonstrated, with weight-specific power exceeding 6 W/g, in order to illustrate the lower limits of substrate thickness and materials use achievable with a new processing paradigm. Our fabrication process uniquely starts with growth of an ultra-thin flexible polymer substrate in vacuum, followed by deposition of electrodes and photoactive layers in situ. With this process sequence, the entire cell-from transparent substrate to active layers to encapsulation-can be fabricated at room temperature without solvents and without breaking vacuum, avoiding exposure to dust and other contaminants, and minimizing damage risk associated with handling of thin substrates. We use in situ vapor-phase growth of smooth, transparent, and flexible parylene-C films to produce ultrathin, lightweight molecular organic solar cells as thin as 2.3 µm including encapsulation with a second parylene-C film. These parylene-based devices exhibit power conversion efficiencies and fabrication yields comparable to glass-based cells. Flexible solar cells on parylene membranes can be seamlessly adhered to a variety of solid surfaces to provide additive solar power.

ABX3 Perovskites for Tandem Solar Cells

“…Figure 8D presents the calculated spectral dependence of the transmittance of each of these layers deposited on a glass substrate assuming optical constants reported elsewhere. 30,118,119 Film thicknesses are the ones that these materials typically feature in order to allow a realistic comparison. Also, Figure 8D displays the photogenerated current loss associated with each material.…”

Flexible photovoltaic power systems: integration opportunities, challenges and advances

“…The bulk heterojunction structure enables the active layer to simultaneously have sufficient thickness for light absorption (∼100 nm) and domain sizes small enough (∼10 nm) for efficient exciton collection [35]. Due to the very small thickness required for light absorption, OPVs can be fabricated with total thickness (including the substrate) less than 2 μm [36,37], which is appealing for portable and wearable applications where weight must be minimized. Additionally, the chemical structure of OPV active materials can be customized to achieve a desired color, and the film thickness can be customized to produce semitransparent solar cells, making OPVs ideal for aesthetic and building-integrated applications [38][39][40][41][42][43][44].…”

Fully Inkjet‐Printed, Ultrathin and Conformable Organic Photovoltaics as Power Source Based on Cross‐Linked PEDOT:PSS Electrodes

“…[7][8][9] So far, ultrathin OPV have been fabricated via spin-coating or thermal evaporation techniques which are restricted in terms of geometry, freedom of design and viability. [3][4][5] Inkjet printing, in this respect, has many advantages compared to other deposition techniques such as high versatility, easy customization, low material usage and, associated low cost of manufacturing. Yet, several challenges remain to efficiently produce all-printed miniature devices for ultra-lightweight applications.…”