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Researchers at Zhengzhou University have achieved a significant breakthrough in the field of organic solar cells (OSCs) with the development of the polymer PTQ15. This innovative material has the potential to fundamentally transform the renewable energy market by offering nearly 20% efficiency at a significantly lower cost compared to existing alternatives.

PTQ15 achieves a certified power conversion efficiency of 19.96%, a record-breaking figure among low-cost organic materials. Its cost is only $35,528 per kilogram, approximately five times less than that of premium polymers (PM6, D18), whose price exceeds $200,000. This affordability is attributed to an optimized and high-performance synthesis process.

In combination with K1/K6 acceptors, the PTQ15 polymer enables exceptionally fast charge transfer and minimal energy loss. Importantly, devices based on this material demonstrate high reliability even when processed in open-air conditions. With a projected cost of $0.36 per watt, PTQ15-based OSCs become economically competitive with traditional silicon solar cells.

Due to their lightweight and flexible nature, organic solar cells are ideally suited for portable chargers and building-integrated photovoltaics. Scientists are continuing their work to further enhance efficiency, aiming to surpass the 20% threshold. The successful implementation of PTQ15 has the potential to transition OSCs from laboratory experiments to widely accessible and sustainable solutions for the mass market.

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