In Los Angeles, a futuristic scene is now a reality: people can charge their phones and MP3s simply by walking, thanks to a special material sprayed on backpacks. Similarly, passengers waiting at bus shelters can charge their devices under the rain canopy coated with the same technology. This isn't from a sci-fi movie—it's real, and it's powered by plastic solar cell materials, also known as third-generation solar cells.
These innovative materials, which follow crystalline silicon and inorganic thin-film solar cells, offer significant advantages such as flexibility, low cost, and high commercial potential. Recently, Nanjing Ouyinhao Organic Optoelectronics Co., Ltd., located in the Zijin Kechuang District of Nanjing Chemical Industry Park, announced that it has successfully produced organic thin-film solar cell materials. According to Dr. Xiao Shuyong, chairman of the company, these nano-scale materials are lightweight, easy to apply, and can be printed or painted onto surfaces to generate electricity.
Globally, over 130 countries are exploring solar cell applications, with 95 conducting large-scale R&D. The first generation of solar cells, made of crystalline silicon, has high efficiency but is expensive and environmentally harmful. The second generation, inorganic thin-film cells, reduces some of these issues but still requires costly rare-earth elements. The third generation—plastic or organic thin-film solar cells—is much more sustainable, with a production process that is simple, energy-efficient, and low-cost. Current power generation efficiency is around 10% to 12%, with costs about one-tenth of traditional silicon cells.
Despite its promising features, third-generation plastic solar cells are not yet widely commercialized. Most users are research institutions and large companies. However, companies like Canada’s OneMaterial have made significant progress, holding over 10 global patents and collaborating with major brands like Samsung and GE. In China, Nanjing Ouyinhao has established a lab and started trial production, with products already used by the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Looking ahead, the company aims to move beyond government subsidies and promote solar technology as a competitive green energy solution. With increasing demand, Nanjing Ouyinhao plans to expand production and collaborate with domestic manufacturers to bring this technology to market.
Research into improving the efficiency of plastic solar cells is ongoing. Scientists are focusing on enhancing photon collection, exciton separation, and reducing internal resistance to boost performance. Recent developments include multi-layer structures and advanced material combinations, leading to higher conversion rates.
Internationally, projects like those at UCLA and Sumitomo Chemical have achieved a 10.6% efficiency with dual-layer systems. Researchers in Illinois are using dye-coated plastics to concentrate sunlight, while Swiss company CSEM is developing larger, affordable plastic solar panels. Meanwhile, UK researchers have pioneered a low-temperature, mass-production method using "roll-to-roll" technology, aiming for 10% efficiency within the next decade.
Plastic solar cells are no longer just a dream—they're becoming a real, scalable solution for the future of renewable energy.
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