Innovative Use of Siloxane Enhances Stability of Flexible Solar Cells
Tokyo, Monday, 2 June 2025.
Researchers have developed stable, flexible perovskite solar cells using siloxane, potentially advancing solar technology by improving mechanical endurance while maintaining power efficiency through novel chemical bonds.
Siloxane Revolutionizes Solar Cell Stability
A recent breakthrough from researchers Duan, Yang, and Li focuses on enhancing the mechanical stability of flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs) using siloxane. This innovation involves the use of selective self-assembled siloxane coupling agents that significantly improve the adhesion between the perovskite layer and the flexible substrate [1].
Mechanism and Benefits of Siloxane Integration
The core mechanism relies on forming robust Si–O–Si and Si–O–metal bonds at the interface, allowing stress distribution during mechanical cycling. This development minimizes delamination and crack propagation, ensuring that the solar cells maintain their power conversion efficiency (PCE) even after extensive bending cycles [1]. These devices demonstrated a minimal drop in PCE after thousands of deformation cycles, pointing to the enhanced durability achieved through this approach [1].
Impact on the Solar Energy Sector
By bolstering the mechanical robustness without compromising electronic properties, this advancement has the potential to upscale the adoption of flexible perovskite solar cells. This could notably impact the solar energy market, particularly in Asia, where countries like Japan and South Korea are keen on expanding flexible electronics applications [2].
Future Prospects and Commercialization
The integration of siloxane in PSCs is not only limited to current photovoltaic applications but also extends to other thin-film technologies. The adaptability across various substrates, such as PET and polyimide polymers, suggests a wide range of future applications including wearable devices and automotive components [1][3]. As the global market for perovskite solar cells is projected to climb significantly by 2030, innovations like these play a crucial role in overcoming existing material challenges, thereby paving the way for broader commercialization [4].