Development of Efficient and Environmentally Friendly Organic Solar Cells in China

Introduction

A research team from Shenzhen University of Technology in China has innovated a new production method for organic solar cells (OSCs) that significantly enhances efficiency while prioritizing environmental safety. This advancement aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Key Achievements

1. Record Efficiency: The newly developed OSCs achieved a record efficiency of approximately 20%, surpassing previous benchmarks such as the 18% efficiency attained by recent Finnish developments.
2. Use of Non-Toxic Additives: The cells utilize toluene, a common and safe solvent, replacing toxic chemicals like chloroform, thereby reducing environmental and health hazards.
3. Enhanced Stability: The cells demonstrate high stability, making them suitable for mass production and long-term use.

Innovative Methodology

The research addresses a critical challenge in OSC performance: the precise arrangement of internal materials, known as morphology, which affects solar cell efficiency.

• Two isomeric chemical additives, ODBC and PDBC, were introduced into specific layers of the solar cells to improve internal structure.
• ODBC, with a stronger dipole moment, promotes tighter and earlier alignment of materials, enhancing sunlight absorption and energy transfer.
• Placement of these additives in the acceptor layer, rather than the donor layer, results in a smoother internal morphology and improved electrical charge mobility.
• The additives slow down the drying process, allowing materials to crystallize optimally, which increases efficiency.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: The advancement in OSC efficiency and stability supports the development of cost-effective, clean solar energy solutions.
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The innovative use of non-toxic additives and improved manufacturing processes fosters sustainable industrialization and innovation.
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: The replacement of toxic solvents with safer alternatives promotes responsible production practices and reduces environmental pollution.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: By enabling more sustainable solar energy technologies, this research contributes to efforts to combat climate change.

Results and Future Prospects

1. One configuration achieved a certified efficiency of 19.7% using the green solvent toluene, marking the highest efficiency for such environmentally friendly OSCs.
2. Another system improved efficiency from 14% to 17% by applying the new additive method.
3. Long-term stability and reduced energy loss were observed, indicating the potential for commercial viability.
4. The approach is adaptable to various organic solar cell types, advancing the goal of large-scale, sustainable solar panel production.

Conclusion

This breakthrough in organic solar cell technology represents a significant step toward achieving sustainable energy solutions that are efficient, environmentally safe, and economically feasible. The research supports multiple SDGs by promoting clean energy innovation and responsible manufacturing practices, contributing to global sustainability efforts.

References

• Research published in Nano-Micro Letters: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40820-025-01715-2
• Additional information on organic solar cells and additives: EurekAlert

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses advancements in organic solar cells that are more efficient and environmentally friendly, directly contributing to affordable and clean energy solutions.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The development of new methods for producing organic solar cells with improved efficiency and stability highlights innovation in industrial processes and infrastructure.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The use of non-toxic additives and green solvents like toluene promotes sustainable production practices.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Enhancing solar energy technology supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change mitigation.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.4: Achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. SDG 7 Indicators
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption — implied by the development of more efficient organic solar cells increasing renewable energy use.
   • Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP — implied through improved energy efficiency of solar cells.
2. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added — implied by the use of non-toxic additives and green solvents reducing environmental impact of production.
3. SDG 12 Indicators
   • Indicator 12.4.2: Hazardous waste generated per capita and proportion of hazardous waste treated, by type of treatment — implied by the replacement of toxic chemicals with safer alternatives in solar cell production.
4. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Indicator 13.2.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions per year — implied through the potential reduction in emissions by adopting cleaner solar technology.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: interestingengineering.com