Periodic Reporting for period 1 - IDEAL (Efficient and Stable Organic Photovoltaics by Combinatorial Screening)
Reporting period: 2022-09-01 to 2024-08-31
The transition to renewable energy is essential in addressing climate change, and organic photovoltaics (OPVs) offer a promising alternative due to their lightweight, flexible, and semi-transparent properties. These unique features enable their integration into unconventional applications, such as building facades, wearable electronics, and greenhouses. However, their widespread adoption has been hindered by challenges related to efficiency, long-term stability, and scalable fabrication. The IDEAL project directly tackled these limitations by developing high-performance OPV materials and modules through combinatorial screening and advanced characterization techniques.
A key focus of the project was sustainable energy generation, with an emphasis on creating low-cost, eco-friendly solar cells suitable for integration in both urban environments and agricultural settings. In particular, OPV modules were designed and tested for greenhouse applications, where they needed to balance energy production with light transmission requirements for plant growth. Optical modeling and greenhouse field tests were performed to ensure that the materials met these dual needs. The project also investigated agrivoltaic stability by deploying OPV modules in real-world greenhouse conditions, identifying degradation modes such as delamination that were not observable under laboratory testing.
Beyond agrivoltaics, the project explored material innovation by discovering and optimizing organic semiconductors for broader optoelectronic applications. This included the development of high molecular weight donor polymers, which improved both efficiency and thermal stability, as well as non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) with extended electron-deficient cores to enhance charge transport and light absorption. Additionally, the project investigated chiral organic materials, revealing how molecular organization at the nanoscale affects their optoelectronic properties, opening new avenues for polarization-sensitive photodetectors and advanced organic electronics. Furthermore, low-bandgap polymers with near-infrared absorption were designed and tested for thermoelectric applications, demonstrating their potential in energy harvesting beyond photovoltaics.
To accelerate material discovery and device optimization, the project leveraged AI-driven analysis and high-throughput screening techniques. These approaches significantly reduced the time required to identify promising OPV formulations while ensuring that the materials maintained stability under real-world conditions. Scalability was also addressed, with the development of processing strategies that enabled the fabrication of OPV modules exceeding 25 cm² under ambient conditions—an essential step toward industrial-scale production.
Finally, real-world demonstrators showcased the potential of OPVs in practical applications, including their integration into greenhouses and energy-harvesting systems for the Internet of Things (IoT). By addressing both material-level challenges and real-world implementation barriers, the IDEAL project contributed to the advancement of OPVs as a viable and sustainable energy solution. These efforts pave the way for the next generation of organic solar cells, bringing us closer to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
A key focus of the project was sustainable energy generation, with an emphasis on creating low-cost, eco-friendly solar cells suitable for integration in both urban environments and agricultural settings. In particular, OPV modules were designed and tested for greenhouse applications, where they needed to balance energy production with light transmission requirements for plant growth. Optical modeling and greenhouse field tests were performed to ensure that the materials met these dual needs. The project also investigated agrivoltaic stability by deploying OPV modules in real-world greenhouse conditions, identifying degradation modes such as delamination that were not observable under laboratory testing.
Beyond agrivoltaics, the project explored material innovation by discovering and optimizing organic semiconductors for broader optoelectronic applications. This included the development of high molecular weight donor polymers, which improved both efficiency and thermal stability, as well as non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) with extended electron-deficient cores to enhance charge transport and light absorption. Additionally, the project investigated chiral organic materials, revealing how molecular organization at the nanoscale affects their optoelectronic properties, opening new avenues for polarization-sensitive photodetectors and advanced organic electronics. Furthermore, low-bandgap polymers with near-infrared absorption were designed and tested for thermoelectric applications, demonstrating their potential in energy harvesting beyond photovoltaics.
To accelerate material discovery and device optimization, the project leveraged AI-driven analysis and high-throughput screening techniques. These approaches significantly reduced the time required to identify promising OPV formulations while ensuring that the materials maintained stability under real-world conditions. Scalability was also addressed, with the development of processing strategies that enabled the fabrication of OPV modules exceeding 25 cm² under ambient conditions—an essential step toward industrial-scale production.
Finally, real-world demonstrators showcased the potential of OPVs in practical applications, including their integration into greenhouses and energy-harvesting systems for the Internet of Things (IoT). By addressing both material-level challenges and real-world implementation barriers, the IDEAL project contributed to the advancement of OPVs as a viable and sustainable energy solution. These efforts pave the way for the next generation of organic solar cells, bringing us closer to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
The IDEAL project made significant advancements in organic photovoltaic (OPV) technology, focusing on material innovation, scalability, and emerging applications beyond solar energy.
Advanced Materials for High-Efficiency and Stable OPVs
The project developed thickness-tolerant polymer:non-fullerene blends, such as PTQ10:Y6, achieving efficiencies above 10% while maintaining stability at film thicknesses exceeding 300 nm. This breakthrough facilitates scalable OPV fabrication. Additionally, novel non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) with extended π-conjugated cores were engineered, improving both light absorption and thermal stability. Research also demonstrated that high molecular weight polymers enhance both efficiency and device robustness, offering a new strategy for improving OPV durability.
Agrivoltaic Applications
IDEAL contributed to the development of OPV modules tailored for greenhouse applications, successfully fabricating 25 cm² laminated devices that balance transparency for plant growth with energy generation. Outdoor testing identified key degradation mechanisms, such as delamination, providing essential insights for improving long-term stability and guiding future module designs.
Beyond Solar: Thermoelectrics and Chiral Materials
Expanding beyond photovoltaics, the project explored low-bandgap polymers for thermoelectric applications, achieving a figure of merit (zT) comparable to benchmark materials. Additionally, chiral donor-acceptor blends were studied for circularly polarized light detection, opening new possibilities for advanced optoelectronic devices.
AI and Industrial Collaboration
Machine learning tools were implemented to analyze the correlation between processing parameters and OPV performance, accelerating material and device optimization. Partnerships with companies such as Epishine, along with research collaborations, helped validate OPV technologies for real-world applications, including IoT devices and building-integrated photovoltaics.
Through these achievements, IDEAL has contributed to advancing OPV technology, bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrial implementation while opening new avenues for sustainable energy and optoelectronic innovation.
Advanced Materials for High-Efficiency and Stable OPVs
The project developed thickness-tolerant polymer:non-fullerene blends, such as PTQ10:Y6, achieving efficiencies above 10% while maintaining stability at film thicknesses exceeding 300 nm. This breakthrough facilitates scalable OPV fabrication. Additionally, novel non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) with extended π-conjugated cores were engineered, improving both light absorption and thermal stability. Research also demonstrated that high molecular weight polymers enhance both efficiency and device robustness, offering a new strategy for improving OPV durability.
Agrivoltaic Applications
IDEAL contributed to the development of OPV modules tailored for greenhouse applications, successfully fabricating 25 cm² laminated devices that balance transparency for plant growth with energy generation. Outdoor testing identified key degradation mechanisms, such as delamination, providing essential insights for improving long-term stability and guiding future module designs.
Beyond Solar: Thermoelectrics and Chiral Materials
Expanding beyond photovoltaics, the project explored low-bandgap polymers for thermoelectric applications, achieving a figure of merit (zT) comparable to benchmark materials. Additionally, chiral donor-acceptor blends were studied for circularly polarized light detection, opening new possibilities for advanced optoelectronic devices.
AI and Industrial Collaboration
Machine learning tools were implemented to analyze the correlation between processing parameters and OPV performance, accelerating material and device optimization. Partnerships with companies such as Epishine, along with research collaborations, helped validate OPV technologies for real-world applications, including IoT devices and building-integrated photovoltaics.
Through these achievements, IDEAL has contributed to advancing OPV technology, bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrial implementation while opening new avenues for sustainable energy and optoelectronic innovation.
The IDEAL project advanced organic photovoltaic (OPV) technology by addressing key challenges related to stability, scalability, and multifunctionality. Real-world testing provided valuable insights into degradation mechanisms, improving long-term performance. The project also developed high-throughput fabrication methods and thickness-tolerant materials, reducing production costs and enhancing scalability. Additionally, new semiconductors were demonstrated for dual applications in both photovoltaics and thermoelectrics, expanding their potential impact beyond solar energy.
Beyond scientific advancements, IDEAL contributed to the green energy transition by demonstrating how OPVs can be integrated into buildings and agricultural settings, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Collaborations with industry partners, such as Epishine AB, strengthened Europe’s position in the flexible photovoltaics sector, enhancing competitiveness. The project also engaged with policymakers, providing insights on critical materials for the energy transition, including contributions to a report for the Spanish Parliament.
Dissemination efforts included five peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as Advanced Functional Materials and Small, as well as participation in seven international conferences. Public outreach activities, such as participation in European Researchers’ Night, YouTube video, and policy engagement, helped communicate findings to a broader audience. The outcomes of IDEAL contribute to a sustainable energy future by bridging laboratory-scale innovation with industrial and societal needs.
Beyond scientific advancements, IDEAL contributed to the green energy transition by demonstrating how OPVs can be integrated into buildings and agricultural settings, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Collaborations with industry partners, such as Epishine AB, strengthened Europe’s position in the flexible photovoltaics sector, enhancing competitiveness. The project also engaged with policymakers, providing insights on critical materials for the energy transition, including contributions to a report for the Spanish Parliament.
Dissemination efforts included five peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as Advanced Functional Materials and Small, as well as participation in seven international conferences. Public outreach activities, such as participation in European Researchers’ Night, YouTube video, and policy engagement, helped communicate findings to a broader audience. The outcomes of IDEAL contribute to a sustainable energy future by bridging laboratory-scale innovation with industrial and societal needs.