The thinnest flexible photovoltaic cell is produced with a thickness of one percent of the diameter of the hair

In the process of seeking more efficient and lightweight solar energy solutions, scientists have been working hard to develop thinner flexible photovoltaic cells. Recently, a groundbreaking technological achievement has attracted widespread attention – the world’s thinnest flexible solar panel has been released! The thickness of this new solar panel is only about 1% of human hair, which is about 7 microns. This innovation was achieved by a research team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States. They deposited semiconductor materials layer by layer onto the target substrate using a technique called van der Waals epitaxy, ultimately forming an ultra-thin solar cell structure. This process makes the solar cells produced not only very thin, but also highly flexible, capable of easily curling or folding. Although traditional silicon-based solar cells have high efficiency, they are usually thick and fragile, making them unsuitable for applications that require flexibility and portability, such as portable power systems, wearable devices, and solar power generation devices integrated into building surfaces. And this new type of ultra-thin flexible solar cell can meet these needs very well, because it hardly increases the weight and volume of the equipment, while also providing a reliable source of electricity. Researchers say that although the current photovoltaic conversion efficiency of this new type of solar cell is not as high as traditional silicon-based products, with further optimization and improvement of technology, it is expected to achieve higher conversion rates in the future. In addition, due to its unique structure and characteristics, the battery can also be integrated with other electronic components to construct more complex functional devices. For example, it can be embedded as a transparent panel in windows or smartphone screens, without affecting the appearance design, and can fully utilize natural light for power generation. With the increasing awareness of environmental protection and the growing demand for renewable energy, technological innovation like this will undoubtedly bring revolutionary changes to the future green energy industry. We look forward to seeing more similar high-tech products enter the market, helping us enjoy a convenient life while protecting the environment.