Breakthrough Stretchable Solar Cells Could Power Wearable Electronics

RIKEN physicists have developed stretchable solar cells that retain high efficiency even after being stretched, paving the way for wearable electronics that are self-powered. Learn about this breakthrough innovation.

A team of physicists from the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science has developed a new type of stretchable solar cell that retains high power conversion efficiency, even when subjected to substantial stretching. This innovation is poised to revolutionize wearable electronics by providing a reliable, flexible power source for next-generation health and medical monitoring devices.

Meeting the Challenge of Stretchability

Wearable devices, such as smartwatches and medical sensors, often require periodic recharging. To address this, researchers have been exploring flexible, wearable solar cells. However, the challenge has been to ensure these cells remain functional when stretched during daily activities.

Kenjiro Fukuda, the lead researcher, explains that while making thin and flexible devices is relatively simple, achieving intrinsic stretchability is far more difficult. Traditional flexible devices, like plastic wrap, can only be stretched by 1% or 2% before tearing. The RIKEN team, however, has developed solar cells that maintain performance even after being stretched by 50%.

Innovative Use of Stretchable Materials

The key to this breakthrough lies in incorporating stretchable materials into every functional layer of the solar cell. While the idea is straightforward, Fukuda highlights the challenge of balancing each layer’s stretchability with its performance. By using an organic compound called ION E in the electrode layer, the team significantly improved the stretchability of the device.

Surprisingly, ION E not only enhanced stretchability but also increased the adhesion between the solar cell layers, allowing the device to maintain its integrity even when stretched 100 times by 10%. This unexpected benefit further boosts the overall durability of the solar cell.

Future Developments and Goals

The team’s long-term goal is to create a large-area stretchable organic solar cell. However, one challenge they face is improving the conductivity of the polymer used to transfer electricity. Overcoming this bottleneck will be essential for the development of larger, more efficient stretchable solar cells.

A Step Toward Wearable Power Solutions

This innovation marks a significant step toward creating stretchable, self-charging wearable devices that eliminate the need for frequent recharging. With ongoing research, these solar cells could eventually power a wide range of wearable electronics, including smartwatches and specialized medical devices, providing a sustainable solution for the future of wearable technology.