Exploring the Potential of Organic Solar Cells in Space
Recent investigations from the University of Michigan indicate that organic solar cells, composed of carbon-based materials, may surpass traditional silicon and gallium arsenide in terms of energy generation efficiency beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
A Shift in Focus: Performance Under Radiation Exposure
While earlier studies primarily looked at how effectively organic solar cells convert sunlight into electricity after being exposed to radiation, this new research takes a deeper dive into molecular changes that impact performance drops.
“Silicon-based materials struggle with stability under proton irradiation from solar activity,” explained Yongxi Li, who led the study published in Joule while serving as an associate research scientist in electrical engineering and computer science at U-M. “Organic photovoltaic materials were subjected to proton exposure due to their potential vulnerability as electronic components.”
The Pros and Cons of Conventional Materials
Many space missions have favored gallium arsenide due to its superior efficiency and relative resilience against proton damage; however, drawbacks such as high cost and substantial weight—similar issues faced by silicon—limit its use. Conversely, organic solar cells are lightweight and flexible alternatives under consideration for space applications.
This current study forms part of broader efforts aimed at validating the reliability aspects of organic materials since space missions typically utilize highly dependable components.
Comparative Resilience Against Proton Damage
The results revealed that simple-molecule-based organic solar cells exhibited remarkable resistance against proton bombardment over three years without any sign of degradation. In stark contrast, polymer-based counterparts—featuring more intricate branching structures—experienced a significant loss in efficiency by approximately fifty percent.
“Our findings indicate that protons can sever some side chains on polymers which generates electron traps leading to reduced performance,” noted Stephen Forrest, a distinguished engineering professor at U-M who co-authored this research.
The Healing Potential within Organic Solar Technology
The formation described involves traps capturing electrons liberated by light striking the cell’s surface; negating their movement towards electrodes designed for electricity collection.”You can restore functionality through thermal annealing or by heating up solar panels,” Forrest added. “There’s also potential for filling these traps with alternative atoms which could offer a solution.”
Might it be feasible for sun-oriented photovoltaic systems aboard spacecrafts to self-repair? Temperatures reaching about 100°C (212°F)—the threshold proven effective during laboratory testing—can aid healing processes but questions linger regarding sustainability within a vacuum setting or long-term mission viability without substantial modifications preventing trap formations altogether.
Pursuing Future Discoveries
Yongxi Li plans on further investigating both methodologies as he transitions into his role as an associate professor focused on advanced materials manufacturing at Nanjing University in China.
This innovative work utilized facilities like Lurie Nanofabrication Facility combined with proton beam induction methods offered via Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory alongside analysis conducted at Michigan Center for Materials Characterization help support advancing technologies such solutions promise digital transformation within modern explorations beyond our planetary boundaries!
)
