Progress in Organic Photovoltaic Fibers Research

Abstract

A photovoltaic textile, which is formed by combining a textile structure with a solar cell, and on which carries physical properties of textile and working principle of solar cell together, can generate electricity for powering different electrical devices. Photovoltaic fiber providing more compatibility to textiles in terms of flexibility and lightness owing to its thin and polymer-based structure may be used in a wide variety of applications such as tents, jackets, soldier uniforms and marine fabrics. This review is organized as follows: In the first section, an overview of photovoltaic technology, smart textiles and photovoltaic textiles will be presented. In the second section, a general introduction to organic solar cells and organic semi conductors, features, the working principle, manufacturing techniques, and characterization of organic solar cells as well as polymer based organic solar cells and studies about nanofibers and flexible solar cells will be given. In the third part, recent studies about photovoltaic fiber researches, production methods, and materials used and application areas will be recounted. Finally, suggestions on future studies and the conclusions will be given