A team of international scientists has made an exciting breakthrough that could bring organic solar panels closer to everyday use.
By adding a tiny amount of a special chemical, they found a way to make these solar panels last much longer—by over 59%!
Organic solar panels, also called organic photovoltaics (OPVs), are seen as the future of solar energy.
They are lightweight, flexible, and easy to produce, making them perfect for use in places where traditional solar panels wouldn’t work.
However, one big challenge has been their durability—these panels tend to degrade faster than conventional ones, especially in hot conditions.
Now, researchers led by Professor BongSoo Kim from UNIST (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology) have found a simple yet effective solution.
Their team, working with experts from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), the University of Lille in France, and the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), developed a new stabilizing additive called 6Bx.
6Bx is a type of cross-linker, a chemical that strengthens the structure of organic materials.
Unlike older cross-linkers, which often reduced the efficiency of solar cells, this one works with just 0.05% of the material, meaning it improves stability without affecting performance.
The results were impressive. The OPVs with 6Bx maintained 93.4% of their original efficiency even after 70 days at 85°C, while those without it dropped to just 58.7% of their initial power.
This means solar panels using this additive could stay efficient for much longer, making them a more reliable option for the future.
The secret behind 6Bx’s success is its six-bridged azide structure, which allows for an extremely high cross-linking efficiency of 96%.
This means it tightly locks the molecules in place, preventing them from breaking down due to heat. In contrast, previous versions with only four or two bridges were far less effective.
Professor Kim explained, “We have solved a major problem with organic solar cells by developing this high-efficiency stabilizer. Our research will help make OPVs more durable and ready for commercial use.”
With this discovery, we are one step closer to making long-lasting, flexible solar panels that could be used in a variety of applications, from rooftops to portable devices.
The study was published in ACS Energy Letters.
Source: KSR.
