Stretchable thin film solar cells

Can thin film semiconductors be used to fabricate stretchable solar cells?

This first attempt to fabricate stretchable solar cells with thin film semiconductors will significantly broaden the scope of solar cell applications.

Are organic solar cells stretchable?

Realization of high-performance and intrinsically stretchable OSCs with a record PCE of 14.3% and excellent stretchability. High power conversion efficiency (PCE), long-term stability, and mechanical robustness are important requirements for the practical applications of organic solar cells (OSCs).

How a thin film silicon solar cell is made?

The thin film silicon solar cell was fabricated on the pre-deposited sacrificial layer and transfer printed using the same fabrication processes as those of the cross-buckled aluminum electrode. Each buckled ribbon represents a single solar cell and the properties were tested under stretching condition.

How does a cross-buckled thin film solar cell maintain its properties?

In the compressed state, the cross-buckled thin film silicon solar cell maintained its properties up to 50% of the external tensile strain (Fig. 6a,c) and 200 cycles of stretching (Fig. 6b,d ). The increase in the induced compressive strain by the orthogonal tensile strain is inequivalent to the increase in the tensile strain 25.

Can transfer printing be used to fabricate stretchable a-Si thin film solar cells?

In article number 1601269, Dong-Ho Kim, Sungjin Jo, and co-workers demonstrate a versatile transfer printing method using a water-soluble germanium oxide sacrificial layer for fabricating stretchable a-Si thin film solar cells.

Can thin film silicon solar cells be used as portable power supplies?

In addition, the thin film silicon solar cell is a promising candidate for applications such as portable power supply for wearable electronics. Thus, the textile thin film silicon solar cells with the cross-buckled structure can function as portable power supplies by attaching them to the surfaces of fabrics or human skin.