Japanese scientists achieve progress with wet-processed organic solar cells

Researchers at Japan's Kanazawa University have developed a method that enhances the light absorption and performance of wet-processed organic solar cells, the university said on Friday.

Organic solar cells use organic polymers inside the cell, which makes the cells light-weight and increases their flexibility. They are produced via dry processing or wet processing, which is a faster method, the university explains.

A challenge with this type of cells is that molecules in the active organic layer responsible for light absorption and charge transport tend to face both towards the edges of cells, as well as towards the light absorbing substrate. The dry processing method has already been modified to maximise the number of molecules facing the substrate and the new research is the first to successfully do so with the wet method, according to the announcement. At the heart of their success is the introduction of a copper iodide (CuI) layer between the active molecules and the substrate.

In addition to being faster, the wet method delivers larger film areas. "This technique is expected to greatly contribute to the development of organic thin film solar cells fabricated by wet processing in the future," say the authors.

The research has recently been published in Organic Electronics.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!