Organic photovoltaics generate more power under stretching

Abstract

Intrinsically stretchable organic photovoltaics (IS-OPVs) are poised to revolutionize wearable and flexible electronics by combining mechanical robustness with high power conversion efficiency. Writing in Joule, researchers introduced new IS-OPVs that retain over 80% of their initial efficiency under 50% strain and exhibit an increase in power output when strained to 40%, marking a remarkable improvement over conventional photovoltaic cells, which typically experience efficiency degradation and failure when stretched. This approach could inspire the next wave of stretchable electronics.