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Proton Radiation Hardness of Organic Photovoltaics: An In‐Depth Study

Harrison Lee, Katherine Stewart, Declan Hughes, Jérémy Barbé, Adam Pockett, Rachel C. Kilbride, Keith C. Heasman, Zhengfei Wei, Trystan Watson Orcid Logo, Matt Carnie Orcid Logo, Ji-Seon Kim, Wing Chung Tsoi Orcid Logo

Solar RRL, Volume: 6, Issue: 6, Start page: 2101037

Swansea University Authors: Harrison Lee, Adam Pockett, Zhengfei Wei, Trystan Watson Orcid Logo, Matt Carnie Orcid Logo, Wing Chung Tsoi Orcid Logo

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DOI (Published version): 10.1002/solr.202101037

Abstract

Recent developments of solution-processed bulk-heterojunction organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells have demonstrated power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) as high as 18% for single-junction devices. Such a high PCE in addition to its desirable lightweight property and high mechanical flexibility can real...

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Published in: Solar RRL
ISSN: 2367-198X 2367-198X
Published: Wiley 2022
Online Access: Check full text

URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa59314
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Abstract: Recent developments of solution-processed bulk-heterojunction organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells have demonstrated power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) as high as 18% for single-junction devices. Such a high PCE in addition to its desirable lightweight property and high mechanical flexibility can realize high specific power and small stowed volume, which are key considerations when choosing PV for space missions. To take one important step forward, their resilience to ionizing radiation should be well studied. Herein, the effect of proton irradiation at various fluences on the performance of benchmark OPV cells is explored under AM0 illumination. The remaining device performance is found to decrease with increasing proton fluence, which correlates to changes in electrical and chemical properties of the active layer. By redissolving the devices, the solubility of the active layer is found to decrease with increasing proton fluence, suggesting that the active materials are likely cross-linked. Additionally, Raman studies reveal conformational changes of the polymer leading to a higher degree of energetic disorder. Despite a drop in performance, the retaining percentage of the performance is indeed higher than the current market-dominating space PV technology—III–V semiconductor-based PV, demonstrating a high potential of the OPV cell as a candidate for space applications.
Keywords: organic photovoltaics; proton bombardment; space
College: Faculty of Science and Engineering
Funders: Airbus Endeavr Wales; Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Grant Numbers: EP/N020863/1, EP/L016702/1, EP/T028513/1; Innovate UK. Grant Number: 920036; European Regional Development Fund. Grant Number: c80892 ; Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning. Grant Number: NRF-2017K1A1A2 013153 ; Welsh European Funding Office (SPARC II)
Issue: 6
Start Page: 2101037