Mechanically Stable and Intrinsically Stretchy Organic Photovoltaics via Constructing Stress-Dissipative Networks

Abstract

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things has precipitated an urgent demand for renewable energy sources and portable electronic devices in contemporary society. Organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs), noted for their thinness, flexibility, and potential for large-scale manufacturing, have emerged as a promising technology for the direct conversion of solar energy into electrical power. However, current research in OPVs predominantly focuses on enhancing power conversion efficiency (PCE), while the inherent mechanical brittleness of OPV films significantly constrains their applicability in stretchable electronics, thereby impeding their further development and practical implementation. To address this challenge, we show an elastic additive with high fracture strain and low modulus to make both polymer:small molecule (PM6:PY-IT) and all-polymer (PM6:N2200) OPV films stretchy. The resulting intrinsically stretchable OPVs derived from these delicately tuned films demonstrate exceptional photovoltaic performance, with a top PCE of 13.84%, alongside remarkable stretchable stability (strain at 80% efficiency breaking 50%), indicated by the ability to maintain efficiency retention up to 0.8 fold even after 500 cycles of stretching at 30% tensile strain. This work not only offers a new strategy for enhancing the mechanical and photovoltaic properties of multifunctional organic electronic systems but also provides a concrete pathway for advancing OPVs toward practical employment.

Keywords

Organic photovoltaic cells / Elastic additive / Mechanical properties / Ternary blends / Intrinsic stretchability / Stability

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2025 SIOC, CAS, Shanghai, & WILEY-VCH GmbH