Chemical Research in Chinese Universities ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (6): 1261-1277.doi: 10.1007/s40242-025-5200-z

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Stretchable Polymer Solar Cells Beyond 15% Efficiency: Strategies, Achievements, and Outlook

LV Shuiwang1,2,3, KE Huizhen2, ZHAO Wenchao4, YE Long3,5   

  1. 1. School of Textiles and Clothing, Xinjiang University, Xinjiang 830046, P. R. China;
    2. Fujian Key Laboratory of Functional Textile Fibers and Products, Faculty of Clothing and Design, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, P. R. China;
    3. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Sciences, Key Laboratory of Organic Integrated Circuits, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China;
    4. Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, P. R. China;
  • Received:2025-09-11 Accepted:2025-10-23 Online:2025-12-01 Published:2025-12-05
  • Contact: YE Long,E-mail:yelong@tju.edu.cn;KE Huizhen,E-mail:kehuizhen2018@mju.edu.cn;ZHAO Wenchao,E-mail:wenchaozhao@njfu.edu.cn E-mail:yelong@tju.edu.cn;kehuizhen2018@mju.edu.cn;wenchaozhao@njfu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    This work was supported by the Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of Tianjin Municipality, China (No. 23JCJQJC00240), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 52121002), the Open Fund of the Longzhong Laboratory of Hubei Province, China (No. 2022KF-01), and the Science and Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Talent Training Program of Fuzhou City, China (No. 2023-R-002).

Abstract: Stretchable polymer solar cells (S-PSCs) have recently achieved a landmark efficiency exceeding 15%, marking a critical step toward their integration into next-generation wearable, portable, and conformable energy systems. This review highlights the key strategies that enabled this breakthrough, including molecular design of stretchable photovoltaic polymers, rubber-toughening approaches to stabilize microstructures under strain, and the development of multifunctional interlayers and eletrodes that balance mechanical resilience with electronic performance. We summarize the major achievements that have propelled S-PSCs from early proof-of-concept devices with modest efficiency to state-of-the-art systems rivaling their rigid counterparts. Beyond the efficiency milestone, we discuss the unique advantages of S-PSCs, such as their ability to offer power output gains under extreme deformation, which is essential for advanced deployments. This strain-induced power output enhancement mechanism provides new pathways for high-performance wearable devices. Finally, we provide an outlook on emerging trends, remaining challenges, and application scenarios, underscoring the opportunities for S-PSCs to play a pivotal role in the future of flexible and wearable optoelectronics.

Key words: Stretchable polymer solar cell (S-PSC), Molecular design, Physical toughening, Device optimization, Power output