Surface Engineering for Sustainable Organic Photovoltaics
Abhineet Samadhiya, Pradeep Kumar Jhinge, Kamal Kumar Kushwah
Jabalpur Engineering College, Jabalpur, M.P., India
Abstract:
Organic photovoltaic technologies represent a promising alternative to conventional silicon-based solar cells for various reasons. OPVs can be manufactured using solution-processing techniques like roll-to-roll printing, significantly reducing production costs compared to the energy-intensive and complex manufacturing processes required for silicon cells.
Unlike rigid silicon solar panels, OPVs can be fabricated on flexible substrates, enabling them to conform to curved surfaces and expanding potential applications to include wearable electronics, building-integrated photovoltaics, and portable power solutions. OPVs weigh substantially less than silicon panels, making them easier to transport and install, reducing structural requirements for mounting, and opening up applications where weight is a critical factor.
However, various challenges exist in the use of OPVs like susceptiblity to water vapor, which can penetrate the device and cause chemical degradation of the active layers, significantly reducing performance and lifespan. OPVs typically have narrower absorption spectra than silicon, meaning they capture a smaller portion of the solar spectrum. They also suffer from issues related to light reflection, scattering, and inefficient charge extraction. Beyond just moisture, OPVs are vulnerable to other environmental factors including oxygen, UV radiation, and temperature fluctuations, all of which can accelerate degradation and shorten device lifetimes.These challenges represent significant barriers to the commercial viability and large-scale deployment
This work aims to address these challenges by developing multifunctional HDTMS/HMDS modified nano-silica coatings tailored to enhance the performance of OPVs, addressing their durability and performance limitations.
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