Aperiodic optical coatings for neutral-color semi-transparent organic photovoltaics

Abstract

Semi-transparent organic photovoltaics (ST-OPVs) have the potential for integration with windows for ubiquitous power generating applications. Typically, such applications require that ST-OPVs be neutrally transparent across the visible and exhibit both a high average photopic transmittance (APT) and color rendering index, as well as iso-energetic chromaticity coordinates. In this work, we demonstrate the design and use of optical coatings to achieve ST-OPVs with a neutral visible transmittance of APT = 50%, a power conversion efficiency of 8.3%, and optical properties that are independent of a ± 30° variation in the solar angle of incidence. These simple optical coatings are rapidly designed using a genetic algorithm and transfer matrix formalism.

A Review on the Materials Science and Device Physics of Semitransparent Organic Photovoltaics

“…Li et al placed a DBR behind a thin film Ag back electrode and demonstrated a concomitant reduction in the AVT upon the use of a DBR due to an observed shift of the device's transmission maximum to the response maximum of the human eye (555 nm) [106]. Similarly, aperiodic thin film coatings for ST-OPVs can help to achieve high neutral transmittance and an increased PCE by flattening the transmission spectrum and reflecting near IR photons [107].…”

Color-fast semi-transparent organic photovoltaics

“…The intrinsic stability of organic photovoltaics (OPVs) has been demonstrated by Y. Li et al 1 . By replacing the opaque contact on the distal side of the device with a transparent one such as indium tin oxide (ITO) and with proper optical engineering 2,3 , neutrally colored semi-transparent organic photovoltaics (ST-OPVs) can be achieved. The optical design of the ST-OPV reported here enables it to block out ultraviolet (UV) photons and harvest near infrared (NIR) ones, making the device suitable to replace passive windows.…”

Synergy of the transmittance fluctuation factor and absorption selectivity for efficient semitransparent perovskite/organic tandem solar cells with high color-fidelity

“…22–24 Table S1† demonstrates the comprehensive investigations on performances of state-of-the-art single-junction ST-SCs. 17,25–34 These attempts open a path to develop single-junction ST-SCs with balanced photovoltaic performances and optical transmittance. However, single-junction solar cells still suffer from the Shockley–Queisser (S–Q) limitation and color-fidelity, and consequently, it is difficult to further improve their device efficiency at a relatively high AVT.…”