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Direct Structuring of a Biomimetic Anti‐Reflective, Self‐Cleaning Surface for Light Harvesting in Organic Solar Cells
Author(s) -
Choi SeJin,
Huh SungYoon
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
macromolecular rapid communications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.348
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1521-3927
pISSN - 1022-1336
DOI - 10.1002/marc.200900658
Subject(s) - materials science , transmittance , organic solar cell , layer (electronics) , photovoltaic system , surface modification , nanotechnology , reflection (computer programming) , energy conversion efficiency , biofouling , optoelectronics , chemical engineering , composite material , polymer , computer science , chemistry , ecology , biochemistry , membrane , engineering , biology , programming language
A one‐step method to fabricate a biomimetic dual‐scale hierarchical structure for a transparent anti‐reflective, self‐cleaning layer for organic solar cells is reported. Template‐mediated UV replica molding is used to directly create a multi‐functional surface with an acrylate‐functionalized perfluoropolyether without complicated processing steps. The surface exhibits superhydrophobic properties and self‐cleaning characteristics. In addition, the surface leads to an enhancement of photovoltaic power conversion efficiency by ≈10% as a result of reflection suppression and transmittance enhancement. The method can easily be applied to large area substrates (22 cm × 24 cm) in a cost‐effective manner. Furthermore, the solar cell can withstand harsh outdoor conditions for a long time, without a notable change in the device performance, owing to robust surface layer and non‐fouling properties.