The art and science of translucent color organic solar cells

The artistic and scientific perspectives of the translucent color organic solar cells (OSCs), made with the emerging narrowband nonfullerene acceptors are explored. The translucent color OSCs, comprising a Fabry–Pérot microcavity optical coupling layer, have a power conversion efficiency of >15% and a maximum transparency of >20% for the three primary colors. The performance−color relationship of the translucent color OSCs is analyzed using a combination of high-throughput optical computing and experimental optimization, allowing light with desired color to pass through, while absorbing enough light to generate electricity. Replication of Piet Mondrian's artwork "Composition C (1920)" is demonstrated using a 10 × 10 cm2-sized translucent OSC module with a wide palette of colors and hues. The outcome of the work offers an opportunity for translucent color OSCs to function as both esthetic art and power generating windowpanes for use in our homes, offices, and even greenhouses. The realization of translucent color organic solar cells with competitive efficiency, visible transparency and hue remains a critical challenge. Here, the authors fabricate translucent organic solar cells with a Fabry–Pérot microcavity optical coupling layer for applications in science and art.