CPOS Seminar: "Challenges and Future Prospects of Organic Photovoltaics for Underwater Applications"

Speaker: Yu-Cheng Tseng, PhD Student, Department of Chemical Engineering, NationalTaiwan University, Taiwan / Visiting Graduate Student, Nguyen Group, CPOS, UC Santa Barbara

Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) present significant potential for underwater applications due to their ability to tailor absorption spectra to align with the light available underwater. This adaptability positions OPVs as a promising energy source for the Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT), enabling smart aquatic networks and advancing ocean exploration. However, their practical deployment is hindered by challenges such as water-induced degradation, light attenuation, and biofouling. We summarized several strategies to address these limitations, including material stabilization, advanced encapsulation techniques, and antifouling solutions. Compared to traditional silicon and perovskite solar cells, OPVs offer distinct advantages, such as a higher power-to-weight ratio, the absence of heavy metals, and customizable spectral properties. Furthermore, approaches to enhance underwater performance, such as optimizing photoactive and charge transport layers, are explored alongside innovative encapsulation and antifouling technologies. By overcoming these barriers, OPVs have the potential to become a transformative energy solution, fostering deeper integration of IoUT with global communication systems and driving advancements in technologies like 6G. This perspective highlights a clear pathway toward sustainable and efficient energy solutions for underwater systems, supporting marine monitoring, environmental conservation, and resource exploration.