Recent advancements in organic solar technology have the potential to transform the renewable energy landscape, particularly in the realm of large-area solar modules. A study led by Sabeen Zahra from the Advanced Energy Materials Research Center at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) has made significant strides in optimizing non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) for organic solar cells (OSCs). Published in the journal Advanced Science, this research focuses on improving the efficiency of OSCs using non-halogenated solvents, a critical step toward commercial viability.
The challenge with traditional OSCs has been their reliance on toxic halogenated solvents, which, while effective, pose environmental and health risks. The study investigates the modification of the inner and outer side-chains of a promising NFA, Y6, to enhance its solubility in safer, non-halogenated solvents like o-xylene. This modification is crucial as it allows for better film formation and bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) morphology—two factors that significantly influence the efficiency of solar cells.
Zahra’s team found that by blending the modified NFA, referred to as N-HDA, with a polymer donor, PM6, they achieved a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.3% in small-area OSCs. More importantly, when scaled up to a large-area sub-module of 55 cm², the device still delivered an impressive PCE of 12.2%, demonstrating the scalability of this technology. “These findings underscore the significant impact of the modified Y6 derivatives on structural arrangements and film processing over a large-area module at room temperature,” Zahra noted.
This breakthrough has substantial implications for the energy sector. The ability to produce large-area organic solar modules using non-toxic solvents not only enhances the sustainability of solar technology but also opens up new commercial opportunities. Manufacturers can potentially reduce production costs and improve safety standards, making organic solar cells a more attractive option for large-scale deployment.
As the world increasingly shifts towards renewable energy sources, innovations like those presented in this study could play a pivotal role in driving the commercialization of organic solar technologies. The research not only addresses current environmental concerns but also paves the way for more efficient and safer solar energy solutions, crucial for meeting global energy demands.
