What is a polymer based photovoltaic element?

The development of organic, polymer-based photovoltaic elements has introduced the possibility of obtaining cheap and easy-to-produce energy from light. Photoinduced electron transfer from donor-type semiconducting polymers onto acceptor-type polymers or molecules, such as C 60, is the basic phenomenon utilized in these photovoltaic devices.

Which materials are used for flexible PV devices?

To date, metal foil, ultrathin glass, and plastic have been suggested as alternate flexible substrate materials (Table 1). Among them, plastic (polymer) substrates have been widely used for conventional flexible PV devices.

Could a new plastic material replace the metal frame of a PV module?

South Korean company LG Chem has developed a new plastic material that it says could replace the metal frame of a PV module, making it much lighter. The company says it has already secured mass production capability for the material and begun selling products at full scale.

Do photovoltaic devices have to be selective in bulk heterojunctions?

The electrodes of photovoltaic devices have to be selective in the case of bulk heterojunctions. Since bulk heterojunction devices comprise a mixed layer of donor-acceptor systems, there is a priori no symmetry breaking.

What is a polymeric photovoltaic device?

The schematic structure of a typical polymeric photovoltaic device, as well as the different semiconducting polymeric donors and acceptors used in many research labs worldwide, is displayed in Fig. 1. In these devices, the photoactive layer is sandwiched between two metal (transparent conducting oxide) electrodes.

Are flexible photovoltaics (PVs) beyond Silicon possible?

Recent advancements for flexible photovoltaics (PVs) beyond silicon are discussed. Flexible PV technologies (materials to module fabrication) are reviewed. The study approaches the technology pathways to flexible PVs beyond Si. For the previous few decades, the photovoltaic (PV) market was dominated by silicon-based solar cells.