Synergistic Mechanical‐Optoelectronic Engineering Enables Highly Deformable and Efficient Flexible Sb <sub>2</sub> Se <sub>3</sub> Solar Cells

Abstract Flexible Sb 2 Se 3 solar cells have emerged as a promising photovoltaic technology for lightweight, portable, and wearable energy applications. However, simultaneously achieving excellent structural flexibility and high efficiency remains challenging due to the inherent brittleness of critical functional layers and stringent absorber layer requirements. Herein, a synergistic strategy integrating mechanical and optoelectronic engineering to overcome these limitations is reported. Analytical modeling combined with finite‐element method simulation precisely guides device structure optimization by tuning the polyimide (PI) substrate thickness to shift the mechanical neutral plane toward the center of the brittle Mo electrode layer, significantly reducing bending‐induced strain and enhancing mechanical durability. Concurrently, the structurally optimized configuration facilitates the formation of high‐quality Sb 2 Se 3 absorber films with compact grains, preferred [hk1] orientation, and reduced defect densities, boosting charge‐carrier transport and photovoltaic performance. As a result, the flexible PI‐based devices achieve a record efficiency of 8.59%, an outstanding power‐per‐weight ratio of 1.82 W g −1 , and exceptional stability under significant bending and repeated deformation. Moreover, the successful demonstration of large‐area flexible modules integrated into wearable electronics and unmanned aerial vehicles underscores the practical feasibility and application potential of mechanically and optoelectronically co‐engineered flexible Sb 2 Se 3 solar cells.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2025-09-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202520352
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Chalcogenide Semiconductor Thin Films
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.73
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article

Synergistic Mechanical‐Optoelectronic Engineering Enables Highly Deformable and Efficient Flexible Sb 2 Se 3 Solar Cells

Zhuanghao Zheng, Guangxing Liang, Guojie Chen, Jian Yue et al.
1 citations
Advanced Functional Materials
Chalcogenide Semiconductor Thin Films
0.73
article

Synergistic Mechanical‐Optoelectronic Engineering Enables Highly Deformable and Efficient Flexible Sb 2 Se 3 Solar Cells

Zhuanghao Zheng, Guangxing Liang, Guojie Chen, Jian Yue, Michel Cathelinaud, Mingdong Chen, David Le Coq, Shuo Chen, Xianghua Zhang, Hongli Ma
article en
1 citations

Abstract

Abstract Flexible Sb 2 Se 3 solar cells have emerged as a promising photovoltaic technology for lightweight, portable, and wearable energy applications. However, simultaneously achieving excellent structural flexibility and high efficiency remains challenging due to the inherent brittleness of critical functional layers and stringent absorber layer requirements. Herein, a synergistic strategy integrating mechanical and optoelectronic engineering to overcome these limitations is reported. Analytical modeling combined with finite‐element method simulation precisely guides device structure optimization by tuning the polyimide (PI) substrate thickness to shift the mechanical neutral plane toward the center of the brittle Mo electrode layer, significantly reducing bending‐induced strain and enhancing mechanical durability. Concurrently, the structurally optimized configuration facilitates the formation of high‐quality Sb 2 Se 3 absorber films with compact grains, preferred [hk1] orientation, and reduced defect densities, boosting charge‐carrier transport and photovoltaic performance. As a result, the flexible PI‐based devices achieve a record efficiency of 8.59%, an outstanding power‐per‐weight ratio of 1.82 W g −1 , and exceptional stability under significant bending and repeated deformation. Moreover, the successful demonstration of large‐area flexible modules integrated into wearable electronics and unmanned aerial vehicles underscores the practical feasibility and application potential of mechanically and optoelectronically co‐engineered flexible Sb 2 Se 3 solar cells.

Advanced Functional MaterialsVol. 36(15)
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (FR), Shenzhen University (CN), Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes (FR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 23%
Chalcogenide Semiconductor Thin Films
0.73
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