Recent progress in flexible electrodes and textile shaped devices for organic solar cells

Abstract

Organic solar cells (OSCs) are considered promising wearable optoelectronic devices due to their environmental friendliness, light mass and inherent flexibility of the active layer. To achieve flexible devices, many efforts have been made to develop suitable flexible transparent and opaque electrodes. In this review, we systematically analyze the properties of flexible transparent electrodes used in flexible OSCs, including conducting oxides, conducting polymers, carbon nanomaterials, and metal nanostructures, and summarize the corresponding improvement strategies and device performance. Flexible opaque electrodes made of metals and carbon are also evaluated. Fiber and fabric shapes are the implementation forms of OSCs on wearable devices. These two devices' most recent developments in terms of their parts and processing strategies are outlined and examined. Also discussed are the challenges and prospects for wearing OSCs in the future.