imec, Polyera, and Solvay achieved 8.3% certified power conversion efficiency on polymer-based single-junction organic solar cells in an inverted device stack.
December 16, 2011 — Research group imec, materials supplier Polyera, and international chemical group Solvay achieved 8.3% certified power conversion efficiency on polymer-based single-junction organic solar cells in an inverted device stack.
Imec has developed a proprietary inverted bulk heterojunction architecture for polymer-based organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells that optimizes cell light management and increases device stability. A proprietary Polyera semiconductor was used in the photoactive layer with this architecture. imec and Solvay say this is the highest certified efficiency reported for inverted polymer cell architectures. The team asserts that inverted device architectures have commercial advantages over standard designs.
Solvay pursues organic solar cell research because OPV could be an easily and cheaply produced solar power technology for new and existing applications, like building or clothing integration, said Patrick Francoisse, Sustainable Energy Platform Manager, Innovation Center, Solvay. Francoisse points to increasing efficiency, size, and lifetime of the cells in future work.
Imec performs world-leading research in nanoelectronics. Imec has also recently joined the Solliance initiative. Solliance is the alliance of TNO, TU/e, Holst Centre, ECN and imec for research and development in the field of thin film photovoltaic solar energy (PV) in the ELAT-region (Eindhoven-Leuven-Aachen triangle). Further information on imec can be found at www.imec.be.
Polyera supplies high-performance functional materials for the electronics and opto-electronics industries.
SOLVAY is an international chemical group committed to sustainable development with a clear focus on innovation and operational excellence. Solvay SA is listed on NYSE Euronext (SOLB.BE – Bloomberg: SOLB.BB – Reuters: SOLBt.BR).
Subscribe to Photovoltaics World
