Raynergy Tek has announced they have set a new world record in power conversion efficiency for solution processed single junction organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells.
The 13.28% efficiency was independently confirmed by Newport PV laboratory, a recognised centre for the verification of solar cell results under standard testing conditions in August 2018. The certified device measurement results has been submitted to US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to review.
According to the announcement this breakthrough was made possible by the technical progress the Raynergy R&D team made on their third generation proprietary PV organic ink, known as NF series and consists of proprietary high bandgap polymer donor and low bandgap Non Fullerene Acceptor.
According to the researchers the device shows excellent stability. The reported data were measured under a 10 point IV sweep configuration wherein the bias voltage is held constant until the measured current is determined to be unchanging. This is intended to represent the quasi-steady-state performance of device.
The Raynergy device had an initial PCE of 13.66% at STC AM 1.5G, and settled with a stabilised PCE of 13.28% under continuous AM 1.5G irradiation for 14 min.
Technical details
- device size is 25 mm x 25 mm
- active area is 5.4 mm2
- illuminated area was defined by an aperture mask of 2.93 mm2
- device architecture was - glass/ZnO/active layer/MoO3/Ag
Raynergy states that the progress of OPV efficiency over the past two years based on non-fullerene system has opened up new avenue for OPV technology to further propel to possible commercialisation in the near future.
"We are exceptionally thrilled to be the first to demonstrate Non-Fullerene OPV single junction system to record PCE above 13% under Quasi Steady State (QSS) measurement."
"The Non-fullerene system has gained much attention beginning 2018 with constant positive news on setting world record PCE by many renowned research group."
"However, the NF OPV device’s electrical stability under continuous 1 sun light measurement was quite a challenge."
"Our R&D team set focus on the novel molecular design on the both P and N type to achieve the relatively stable NF devices."
Dr. Phoebe Tan, Raynergy’s CEO
"Our team started designing the Non Fullerene System a year ago, we believe the Non-Fullerene system is a good strategy to enhance efficiency of OPV product without compromising the stability, which possibly outcome with real world applications."
"Together with my Acceptor Project team leader, Dr. Chia-Hao Lee, our molecular design approach for both P and N products takes into account on achieving good solubility in non-chlorinated solvents as well as scalability in materials synthesis."
"The new sky blue PV ink product line up also added a new color option to our potential customer."
Dr. Chuang-Yi Liao, Director of the R&D novel materials
"The newly certified NF device results is based on inverted device architecture, which is commonly used by OPV module makers."
"Also, the air processability of the NF ink was tested and shown that coating and baking in ambient could achieved acceptable results with minute loss in PCE, we believe the ink should be compatible with existing coating and manufacturing processes and may enable the fabrication of highly efficient OPVs."
"The only challenge remains in the Non Fullerene OPVs is the search of suitable solution processed hole transporting layer, which will be our current intense focus."
Dr. Yi-Ming Chang, CTO Raynergy
"Our corporate priority remains to provide high performance OPV materials system at acceptable cost to our business partners, hence the scaling up process development for NF3000 is underway."
"And we will continue to strive to adhere to our corporate’s target which is to increase efficiency by 1% each year."
"So far, we are on track and we hope to reach certified 14% Single junction OPV by early next year."
Jason Hsiao, Chairman of Raynergy