A recently published doctoral thesis from Karlstad University shows that organic solar cells are a promising technology due to their flexibility and wide range of applications.
“Research and development in this area has resulted in an impressive energy conversion of almost 20%, which is very good,” says Ishita Jalan, who recently received her PhD. in physical chemistry.
To further improve efficiency, it is important to understand the relationship between the active layer and solar cell performance and control the molecular structure of the active layer.
Economical and efficient solar modules
The idea is to create electrically conductive materials by mixing the right molecules in a solvent, which is then applied into a thin layer and then allowed to dry. This is how organic solar cells are created. Two types of molecules are needed: electron donors and electron acceptors.
The thesis focuses on the molecular understanding of the thin polymer blend film that forms the active surface of an organic solar cell. To better understand the phase separation of polymers in the active layer, the processes were filmed under microgravity conditions, when phase separation occurs more slowly.
Difficult climbs and free fall
Solar cell researchers from Karlstad University conducted these experiments in zero gravity during parabolic flights in Bordeaux, France. When gravity is removed, structure formation slows. This allows you to examine how the structure of the material changes. The flight begins with a steep climb, followed by a free fall in which gravity briefly approaches zero. The experiment can now also be carried out without the influence of gravity.
“We investigated how the active layer is formed in microgravity,” explains Ishita Jalan. “By understanding and controlling this process, we can find a simpler and more controllable way to produce efficient polymer solar cells. Further research is needed to understand the complex effects of this change in gravity as well as microgravity to dispel doubts about the in-phase wet film drying process.
Strong potential of solar energy
Efficient, environmentally friendly solar cells are part of the solution to ending dependence on fossil fuels. Today, solar energy accounts for only a small percentage of global energy consumption. However, if we converted all of the solar energy that reaches our solar power in an hour into electricity, we would shut down the planet's total energy consumption for about a year. To replace other energy sources, we need solar panels that are efficient, environmentally friendly and inexpensive to produce.
“I am from Calcutta, India, but moved to the UK where I studied chemistry at the University of Manchester,” says Ishita Jalan. “I continued my master’s studies at the University of Rochester in the United States. I met Professor Jan van Stam at a conference and decided to apply for a PhD at Karlstad University because the research being done here is very important and I want to become a PhD student. "I want to be a part of it."
Additional information: Solution chemistry and morphological properties of organic solar cells. kau.diva-portal.org/smash/get/ …49633/FULLTEXT02.pdf
Quote : Organic solar cells promise cheap energy production, says a researcher (November 28, 2023) https://techxplore.com/news/2023-11-solar-cells-cheap-energy-produktion. html (November 28, 2023), 2023).
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