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Compared with conventional crystalline silicon solar cells, thin films enable tuning the bandgap, which is favourable for high-efficiency tandem concepts. Additionally, the lower material consumption leads to very low carbon footprints, which adds to the sustainability of photovoltaics. Moreover, flexible, lightweight and/or semi-transparent features are conceivable, making them suitable for integrated applications for buildings, roads, infrastructure, vehicles or even agriculture. Based on these beneficial aspects of thin-film photovoltaics, scientists and engineers are working hard to enhance efficiency and practicality. To track the latest progress in this research field, this Collection aims to publish the latest experimental and theoretical investigations on thin-film solar cells, with special attention to flexible cells.
The topics will include, but are not limited to:
Novel materials, device concepts and characterization methods
Preparation, coating and fabrication processes
Theory, modelling and fundamental understanding of solar cells
Materials integration, mechanical properties, degradation and reliability
Tandem/ multi-junction devices and device integration
Innovative application scenarios for solar cells
We welcome the submission of any paper related to flexible solar cells. All submissions will be subject to the same peer-review process and editorial standards as regular npj Flexible Electronics Articles. The Guest Editors declare no competing interests with the submissions which they have handled through the peer-review process.