PHOTOVOLTAICS | MATERIALS
Solar energy is on the rise, and plastics have a key role to play – whether on conventional photovoltaics, or in a new breed of ‘organic’ solar cell. Lou Reade reports
Plastics make light work of photovoltaics
Alternative energies are on the rise – with applica- tions such as wind power and solar energy slowly replacing conventional means of energy generation. One promising area for plastics is in photovolta-
ics, where a variety of polymeric materials are used on conventional, silicon-based cells – but also on the emerging breed of ‘organic’ solar cells. Researchers at Ohio State University say that
organic solar cells – which use polymers, rather than silicon – could find their way into a promising range of niche applications. In a review paper in the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, Paul Berger and Minjae Kim say that while organic solar cells are unlikely to replace silicon-based versions, they are likely to find use in applications such as microwatt sensors and wearable technology – and other devices that would otherwise require batteries. For example, they could power ‘freshness’ sensors on food packaging using the overhead
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lights in grocery stores. Furthermore, they could go beyond store inventory control, and tie into a “smart kitchen” to reduce food waste and automate grocery lists. “They have this ability to be flexible, because
they are basically plastics, so you can put them on backpacks, jackets and even coffee creamer – a whole range of things where it’s at the point of use,” said Berger. The polymers can be dissolved in solvents and printed onto a flexible backing using affordable roll-to-roll production. Long rolls of solar cells also open up new applications, such as covering vehicles, building facades and windows, says Berger. Longevity is an issue, because the polymers and
reactive metal cathodes oxidise when exposed to water and oxygen. Encapsulating them is effective on glass, but
more challenging on flexible surfaces such as food packaging, he says.
� May 2018 | FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION 13
Main image: A new production method,
developed at Linköping University, simplifies organic solar cell manufacture
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