Fiber-Shaped Organic Photovoltaics
Our renewable energy device program advances organic photovoltaics (OPV) in both fiber-shaped and flat device formats to enable lightweight, flexible power. We use solution-processable organic polymers that deliver high efficiency today, while actively developing next-generation polymers to further improve performance. Our planar (flat) devices are fabricated as thin films using scalable coating methods for integration onto glass or ITO substrates. In parallel, we engineer textile-integrated, fiber-shaped OPV that can be woven or stitched into fabrics to create power-generating swatches. Robust encapsulation stacks with moisture-barrier layers protect the devices and extend operational stability. We integrate the harvesters with flexible, rechargeable batteries and evaluate end-to-end energy storage and delivery. Reliable, low-resistance electrical connections—refined through ultrasonic joining—enable durable interfaces between fibers, films, and storage. Tailored power-management electronics are being screened for compatibility with low-voltage OPV outputs to drive small electronics efficiently. Comprehensive optical, electrical, and structural characterization guides our design iterations. Our process toolkit spans wire-coating for fibers and spin/coating approaches for planar films, supporting both prototyping and scale-up. Current results demonstrate practical power generation in fabric swatches and thin-film modules, with a clear path to higher efficiency through new polymer systems. Ultimately, our goal is a manufacturable, conformable OPV platform that seamlessly harvests, stores, and delivers clean energy for wearable and flexible electronics.
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