Extremely lightweight and ultra-flexible infrared light-converting quantum dot solar cells with high power-per-weight output using a solution-processed bending durable silver nanowire-based electrode

Abstract

Broader contextUltra-flexible and lightweight solar cells with high power output per weight have attracted much attention due to their high potential for utilization in applications such as spacecraft, aircraft, personal pack load and wearable electronic devices. PbS colloidal quantum dots (CQD) are promising candidates for the fabrication of flexible and lightweight solar cells due to their nanocrystal character, which enables functioning energy conversion even in the case when the solar cell is under extreme deformation. Moreover, the PbS CQD possesses the advantages of solution-processability, size-dependent optoelectronic properties and a broad light absorption spectrum covering the ultraviolet-visible-near infrared wavelength region. In this study, we report an ultra-flexible and extremely lightweight PbS CQD solar cell. The solar cell is fabricated on a 1.3 mm-thick flexible polyethylene naphthalate foil substrate and an Ag nanowire network with strong mechanical properties and a large aspect ratio and is used as a transparent and conductive front-electrode. The thickness of the full solar cell is less than 2 mm and the device gives B10% power conversion efficiency with an extremely low weight of 6.5 g m À2 , resulting in a high power-per-weight output ofThe demonstrated CQD solar cell shows good mechanical properties and works during large compression-stretching deformation. In particular, the solar cell also exhibits promising stability both under continuous illumination and after storage under ambient conditions. These results reveal that the CQDs are very promising materials for realizing flexible, efficient and extremely lightweight solar cells that makes it possible for utilization of solar energy in many new applications.

Highly Stabilized Quantum Dot Ink for Efficient Infrared Light Absorbing Solar Cells

“…[62] The QD solid film was prepared in the nitrogen glove box. The patterned ITO glass substrate was cleaned using soap solution, ethanol and isopropanol in sequence, and finally dried with nitrogen flow.…”

High‐Performance Flexible Self‐Powered Photodetector Based on Perovskite and Low‐Temperature Processed In2S3 Nanoflake Film

“…The major challenge in the realization of flexible self‐powered perovskite PDs lies in developing effective approaches to overcome the high‐temperature treatment of carrier extraction layers. Polymer substrates, including polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), have been applied widely in flexible devices due to their low cost, high transparency, and robust bending tolerance . However, such substrates cannot resist high temperature and chemical corrosion.…”

Efficient Hybrid Tandem Solar Cells Based on Optical Reinforcement of Colloidal Quantum Dots with Organic Bulk Heterojunctions

“…Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are potential materials for low‐cost and high‐efficiency next‐generation photovoltaic technology owing to their low‐temperature solution processability, bandgap and energy level tunability, and multiple exciton generation . A certified power conversion efficiency (PCE) of ≈12% was achieved using PbS CQDs as photoactive materials, utilizing recent advances in surface passivation controls, energetic disorder suppressions, and charge selection layer engineering . Sufficient air‐storage stability and photostability of CQD photovoltaic devices (CQDPVs) have been demonstrated, retaining ≈80% of initial performance after 1000 h of continuous illumination .…”