Science Daily December 2, 2019
The cumulative damage from the sun tends to erode efficiency of a new class of solar cells that utilizes layers of carbon-based polymers. Based on the results of current-voltage curves, impedance spectroscopy, and UV-VIS spectrophotometry, researchers in Japan have determined that exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet light can damage the fragile organic molecules in the semiconducting layer just like it damages human skin. When some sulfur atoms in the materials get replaced by oxygen atoms from the atmosphere, the molecules no longer function as intended. The degradation products from solar damage increased the electrical resistance leading to decrease in efficiency. This research has important implications for developing next-generation solar sheets that combine high efficiency, low cost, and long device lifetimes…read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Graphical abstract. CREDIT: Organic Electronics Volume 76, January 2020, 105448Â