Our new PSC is comprised of a thermally-oxidized titanium foil as a substrate with a transparent electrode top layer. The oxidized titanium lends the PSC flexibility and resiliency, and maintains its original efficiency even after bending 1,000 times. Other methods of flexible PSC creation result in significant breakdown during this same test. The transparent electrode layer functions to shield the oxidized titanium layer from UV light, humidity, and oxygen, ensuring protection from the elements, a significant limitation of current PSC technology. In addition, our flexible PSC reaches a power conversion efficiency of 14.9 percent, which is competitive with traditional polycrystalline thin film panels. With increased fatigue resistance and efficiency, our flexible PSC device solves the major limitations plaguing solar cell technology and makes solar- powered wearable electronics a realistic possibility.
Description
Solar power could revolutionize the field of wearable electronics, but high manufacturing costs, accumulated fatigue, and long-term stability concerns make traditional solar panel materials impractical for many applications. Emerging perovskite solar cell (PSC) technology offers a solution to the question of cost, but fragility and rapid aging present persistent barriers for wearable applications. Perovskite solar cells that are not only inexpensive but also durable, stable, and efficient will fill this need and usher in a new generation of wearable electronics.
Applications
• Wearable electronics such as health monitors, e-textiles, and mobile devices.
• Flexible displays
• Powering electric and hybrid cars
• Providing solar power to residential and commercial buildings, especially on surfaces that aren’t conducive to traditional panels.
Advantages
• Power conversion efficiency competitive with traditional solar cells
• Inexpensive to manufacture
• Enhanced durability under repeated light, humidity, and oxygen exposure
• Maintains integrity through repeated physical stress
• Lightweight and portable
Invention Readiness
Prototype
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US11764001B2
