KES5-1349
Ultraflexible organic electronics and photonics for wearable devices and soft robots
When and Where
Oct 1, 2026
11:10 - 11:35
Presenter(s)
Kenjiro Fukuda (The University of Osaka)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Fabricating electronic devices on ultra-thin polymer substrates (~1 µm) enables highly flexible, lightweight electronics. Because film thickness is directly proportional to bending strain, minimizing thickness significantly enhances mechanical robustness. This presentation discusses the potential of ultra-flexible electronics, recent stability advancements, and standardized mechanical characterization.
Recently, we have significantly improved both the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of these devices. We developed waterproof, ultra-thin organic photovoltaics (OPVs) and ultra-flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with unprecedented stability. To address photo-degradation, we developed a 3.6 µm UV-filtering polyimide substrate, enabling ultra-flexible OPVs to maintain long-term stability under 1-sun while enduring 4,000 bending cycles. Furthermore, toward industrialization, we developed a scalable fabrication strategy using low-temperature (100°C) bar-coating. By regulating fluid dynamics (Couette and Marangoni flows), we suppressed film rupture and explosive nucleation, achieving full coverage with giant crystal domains and a high PCE of 16.5%.
As flexible PVs mature, standardized characterization is essential. We proposed a unifying bending protocol (1% strain over 1,000 cycles) and introduced the "flexible PV fatigue factor" (F 
). Reflecting these methodologies, a dedicated evaluation section has been established in the latest "Emerging PV Report," providing benchmarks to accelerate next-generation solar cell development.
Recently, we have significantly improved both the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of these devices. We developed waterproof, ultra-thin organic photovoltaics (OPVs) and ultra-flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with unprecedented stability. To address photo-degradation, we developed a 3.6 µm UV-filtering polyimide substrate, enabling ultra-flexible OPVs to maintain long-term stability under 1-sun while enduring 4,000 bending cycles. Furthermore, toward industrialization, we developed a scalable fabrication strategy using low-temperature (100°C) bar-coating. By regulating fluid dynamics (Couette and Marangoni flows), we suppressed film rupture and explosive nucleation, achieving full coverage with giant crystal domains and a high PCE of 16.5%.
As flexible PVs mature, standardized characterization is essential. We proposed a unifying bending protocol (1% strain over 1,000 cycles) and introduced the "flexible PV fatigue factor" (
). Reflecting these methodologies, a dedicated evaluation section has been established in the latest "Emerging PV Report," providing benchmarks to accelerate next-generation solar cell development.
