Programmable 3D Photovoltaics via Mechanically Origami‐Coded Interlocked 3D Kirigami and Nano‐Root Anchored AgNWs–In–Ga Multiphasic Alloy Conductor

3D photovoltaics (3DPVs) are highly promising for next-generation energy systems, as they maximize space utilization and power output. However, most reported 3DPVs remain unsuitable for deformable applications. When 3DPVs are integrated with mechanically deformable platforms, a fundamental trade-off emerges: achieving large mechanical stretchability typically leads to a reduction in areal coverage. Here, we present a single-material, mechanically origami-coded 3D kirigami platform that enables programmable 3DPVs with unprecedented stretchability and areal coverage. Origami, which transforms 2D geometries into 3D forms, provides an effective structural strategy to overcome the long-standing trade-off between stretchability and areal coverage. Leveraging this concept, we introduce an origami-inspired mechanical coding scheme that embeds programmable folding behavior into the structure. A simple extension-release cycle drives unit folding initiation and full origami activation, achieving ultrahigh stretchability (500%) and initial effective areal coverage (225%), while maintaining stable photovoltaic output under extreme deformation and repeated cycling. To ensure reliable electrical integration, an intrinsically integrable nano-root anchored AgNWs-In-Ga multiphasic alloy conductor was co-fabricated with the structure, providing stable conductivity and enabling reversible stack-and-connect operation. This approach highlights geometric programmability as a key enabler for freeform photovoltaics, establishing a pathway toward multifunctional 3D energy systems for adaptive devices, and urban energy harvesting.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Materials
Published
2026-06-09
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202523685
Primary Topic
Advanced Materials and Mechanics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Programmable 3D Photovoltaics via Mechanically Origami‐Coded Interlocked 3D Kirigami and Nano‐Root Anchored AgNWs–In–Ga Multiphasic Alloy Conductor

Y. H. Cho, HeeSuk Jung, Byoung Koun Min, Seung S. Lee et al.
Advanced Materials
Advanced Materials and Mechanics
article

Programmable 3D Photovoltaics via Mechanically Origami‐Coded Interlocked 3D Kirigami and Nano‐Root Anchored AgNWs–In–Ga Multiphasic Alloy Conductor

Y. H. Cho, HeeSuk Jung, Byoung Koun Min, Seung S. Lee, Hyeonggeun Yu, Injong Oh, Deokjae Choi, Jiwon Ryu, D K Cho, Gee Yeong Kim, Phillip Lee, S W Chung, Seok Joon Hwang, Dong Hoe Kim, Taehee Kim, Byungsoo Kang
article en

Abstract

3D photovoltaics (3DPVs) are highly promising for next-generation energy systems, as they maximize space utilization and power output. However, most reported 3DPVs remain unsuitable for deformable applications. When 3DPVs are integrated with mechanically deformable platforms, a fundamental trade-off emerges: achieving large mechanical stretchability typically leads to a reduction in areal coverage. Here, we present a single-material, mechanically origami-coded 3D kirigami platform that enables programmable 3DPVs with unprecedented stretchability and areal coverage. Origami, which transforms 2D geometries into 3D forms, provides an effective structural strategy to overcome the long-standing trade-off between stretchability and areal coverage. Leveraging this concept, we introduce an origami-inspired mechanical coding scheme that embeds programmable folding behavior into the structure. A simple extension-release cycle drives unit folding initiation and full origami activation, achieving ultrahigh stretchability (500%) and initial effective areal coverage (225%), while maintaining stable photovoltaic output under extreme deformation and repeated cycling. To ensure reliable electrical integration, an intrinsically integrable nano-root anchored AgNWs-In-Ga multiphasic alloy conductor was co-fabricated with the structure, providing stable conductivity and enabling reversible stack-and-connect operation. This approach highlights geometric programmability as a key enabler for freeform photovoltaics, establishing a pathway toward multifunctional 3D energy systems for adaptive devices, and urban energy harvesting.

Advanced Materials
SK Group (South Korea) (KR), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KR), Korea University (KR), Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KR), Sungkyunkwan University (KR), Korea University of Science and Technology (KR)
Korea Institute of Science and Technology
Sustainable cities and communities
Openalex Percentile: Top 12%
Advanced Materials and Mechanics
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