IPN and Spanish University Collaborate on Organic Solar Cell Development

Reporter: Enrique Soto / Photographer: Israel Vera

The Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) and the Universitat Rovira i Virgili of Tarragona, Spain, have developed organic solar cells capable of harnessing both sunlight and artificial light to generate electricity, helping reduce reliance on batteries.

In response to rising environmental pollution, declining fossil fuel reserves, and the global need to develop renewable energy sources, the IPN and the Universitat Rovira i Virgili are working collaboratively to advance cutting-edge organic solar cell technology that can generate electrical energy from both natural sunlight and artificial lighting, such as conventional lamps.

This technological innovation, which may become a viable alternative in the future and contribute to sustainability efforts in both countries, can power low-energy domestic devices and significantly reduce battery consumption.

The scientific project, titled “Fabrication, Modeling, and Simulation of Organic Solar Cells,” is led by Luis Martín Reséndiz Mendoza, Head of the Organic Devices Laboratory at the Unidad Profesional Interdisciplinaria en Ingeniería y Tecnologías Avanzadas (UPIITA).

The project involves collaboration with Dr. Luis Francisco Marsal Garví, researcher at the Universitat Rovira i Virgili, and Dr. Magaly Ramírez Como, researcher in the Department of Applied Physics at the Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV), Mérida Unit.

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The organic solar cells developed by the IPN and the Universitat Rovira i Virgili achieve an electrical efficiency of 17 percent—a significant improvement compared to studies conducted in the 1980s, when efficiencies of only 1 percent were achieved.

Dr. Reséndiz Mendoza, who holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering and is a member of the National System of Researchers (SNII Level I), reported that the IPN sent three master’s students and one doctoral student to conduct research stays at the Spanish university’s laboratories, where the solar cells were fabricated.

“At UPIITA,” he explained, “we measure electrical properties and analyze physical phenomena through electrical modeling and simulation. This information allows us to provide feedback to our colleagues in Spain to improve processes and enhance cell performance.”

Reséndiz Mendoza noted that organic solar cells are third-generation electronic devices that operate using the photovoltaic effect and are classified as organic because they rely on carbon-based materials, such as polymers (plastics).

“Their main characteristics include flexibility and transparency, which allow them to be integrated into the environment—for example, in building and residential windows,” he emphasized.

The fabrication of high-efficiency solar cells requires precise measurement of electrical properties and analysis of physical phenomena, work that is carried out at UPIITA.

According to the researcher, first-generation solar cells are primarily made of silicon, an abundant element in the Earth’s crust, while second-generation cells use inorganic materials that are less efficient than silicon-based technologies.

The IPN scientist added that the organic solar cells developed jointly with the Spanish university achieve approximately 17 percent electrical efficiency at the laboratory level, a remarkable contrast to the limited efficiencies achieved in early research during the 1980s.

Dr. Reséndiz Mendoza acknowledged the progress made by Japan and Germany in organic solar cell development, noting that a German company currently manufactures these devices commercially, reaching efficiencies of up to 8 percent.

“Today, the main challenge for the international scientific community lies in extending the lifespan of these cells and further increasing their electrical efficiency,” he stated.

With pride, the IPN researcher concluded that this project has resulted in the publication of 15 scientific articles in specialized journals, demonstrating that the technology developed at the IPN stands on par with advancements achieved worldwide.