Konkuk University Achieves World-First 19% Organic Solar Cell Efficiency Outside Cleanroom [Reading Science]

Record Efficiency for Conventional Organic Solar Cells Fabricated Under Ambient Air Conditions

Reduced Dependence on Expensive Equipment Increases Potential for Commercialization and Mass Production

Researchers at Konkuk University have achieved a world-first by raising the power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells manufactured in a standard atmospheric environment to 19%. This accomplishment, which does not require expensive cleanrooms or glove boxes, is evaluated as having significantly boosted the commercialization potential of next-generation organic solar cells by delivering world-class performance under everyday conditions.

On June 17, Konkuk University announced that the research team led by Professor Moon Doogyung of the Department of Chemical and Biological Energy Engineering had succeeded in improving the power conversion efficiency of conventional organic solar cells, produced in a standard atmospheric environment, to 19%—the highest ever achieved globally.

Cover of the June 2026 issue of Advanced Energy Materials featuring the results of this research. Courtesy of Konkuk University

The results of this research were published in the international journal Advanced Energy Materials in the energy and fuel field and were selected as the front cover article of issue 16 (June 2026).

Organic solar cells are attracting attention as next-generation solar cells due to their lightweight and flexible properties, which make them suitable for use on building facades, vehicles, and wearable devices. While recent reports have cited high efficiencies exceeding 20%, these results have generally only been achieved in environments where oxygen and moisture are blocked, such as in cleanrooms or glove boxes, which has limited commercialization.

To solve this problem, the research team developed a new photoactive layer material, the "M-Y6 series," by simplifying the structure based on the existing high-efficiency Y6-series materials commonly used in organic solar cells.

The photoactive layer is the key component of a solar cell responsible for absorbing sunlight and generating electricity. The M-Y6 series developed by the researchers maintains the excellent optical and electrochemical properties of the existing materials, while simplifying the molecular structure to lower manufacturing costs and increase productivity.

In particular, by achieving high crystallinity and molecular alignment, the team significantly reduced the materials' sensitivity to environmental changes. As a result, they were able to maintain a stable power conversion efficiency of nearly 19% even in environments with humidity levels reaching 65%.

"From the Lab to the Factory"...Raising Commercialization Potential

The most significant aspect of this research is that it has proven the potential for real-world industrial application beyond laboratory-scale results.

The team achieved world-class performance despite carrying out all manufacturing steps—except for the deposition of the top electrode—in a standard atmospheric environment. This is expected to be advantageous for reducing manufacturing costs and improving productivity in large-scale production processes in the future.

In particular, the technology can be applied to roll-to-roll processes, which enable the continuous production of film-type solar cells, thereby increasing the feasibility of establishing a mass production system.

Solar Cell Panel. The Asia Business Daily Database

Additionally, the research is meaningful in that it demonstrates the possibility of localizing core material technologies that have so far relied heavily on overseas sources. Securing core organic solar cell materials with proprietary technology is expected to further strengthen the competitiveness of the next-generation solar cell industry in Korea.

Professor Moon stated, "This research is a significant achievement in terms of localizing and independently developing core solar cell material technologies, which are becoming increasingly important in the global market. It also greatly reduces reliance on costly vacuum equipment and cleanrooms, which have been major obstacles to commercialization."

He added, "In the future, we expect this technology to accelerate the commercialization of organic solar cells, as it can be applied not only to portable electronic device chargers, but also to automotive integrated photovoltaics (AIPV) and building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), among other applications."

This research was supported by the Public Research Results Value Creation Technology Development Project of the Commercialization Promotion Agency for R&D Outcomes (COMPA) and the Human Resources Development Program of the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP). Dr. Jeon Seongjae of Konkuk University led the research as the first author, with Dr. Yang Namgyu and Dr. Kim Jiyeon participating as co-researchers. In addition, Dr. Jo Eunkyung of Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), and doctoral researchers Park Jiwon and Lee Geonheon, along with Professor Yang Changdeok of Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), participated as co-authors.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.