Researchers at the Center for Emergent Matter Science, RIKEN University in Japan, have developed groundbreaking stretchable solar cells capable of retaining 95% of their power even after 100 stretches. The solar cells, designed using a new organic compound identified as ION E in the electrode layer, can stretch to 1.5 times their original size with only a 20% loss in power conversion efficiency. These flexible cells can be integrated into wearable technology, such as health trackers, allowing for constant use without external recharging.
Kenjiro Fukuda, a senior scientist leading the team, explained that solar cells typically don’t stretch much beyond 1% due to the rigid nature of the materials used. However, his team innovatively used stretchable materials in every functional layer of the solar cells. This innovation not only enhances the usability of solar power in wearable devices but also provides a sustainable solution for powering tech round-the-clock.
These stretchable solar cells are likely to play a significant role in future health-tech devices, which could directly benefit from renewable solar energy, eliminating the need for frequent battery recharging.
This breakthrough opens the door to continuous health monitoring via solar-powered wearables, making it easier for users to track health parameters without the inconvenience of recharging. It also holds promise for medical fields, where patients need constant monitoring, providing a more reliable and sustainable power source for such devices.
Image: J. Wang et al.
