New additive helps solar cells retain 93% power-conversion efficiency

Researchers at Penn State University have discovered that adding the chemical additive 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PQ) significantly enhances the stability and efficiency of organic solar cells, potentially making them viable for large-scale manufacturing and deployment. Unlike traditional silicon solar panels, which require energy-intensive production and toxic chemicals, organic photovoltaics are more environmentally friendly but typically suffer from short lifespans and rapid efficiency degradation. The study, led by Assistant Professor Nutifafa Doumon and doctoral candidate Souk Yoon “John” Kim, demonstrated that PQ, a low-cost and safer hydrocarbon derivative, helps organic solar cells retain over 93% of their original power conversion efficiency after 180 hours of sustained heat exposure—substantially outperforming commonly used toxic additives that retain only about 76%. The research involved testing organic cells with various structures and additives under different environmental conditions to assess longevity, resilience, and efficiency. PQ was incorporated into the active layer of the cells, which absorbs sunlight, resulting in