Programmable 3D Photovoltaics via Mechanically Origami‐Coded Interlocked 3D Kirigami and Nano‐Root Anchored AgNWs–In–Ga Multiphasic Alloy Conductor
Abstract
ABSTRACT 3D photovoltaics (3DPVs) are highly promising for next‐generation energy systems, as they maximize space utilization and power output. However, most reported 3DPVs remain unsuitable for deformable applications. When 3DPVs are integrated with mechanically deformable platforms, a fundamental trade‐off emerges: achieving large mechanical stretchability typically leads to a reduction in areal coverage. Here, we present a single‐material, mechanically origami‐coded 3D kirigami platform that enables programmable 3DPVs with unprecedented stretchability and areal coverage. Origami, which transforms 2D geometries into 3D forms, provides an effective structural strategy to overcome the long‐standing trade‐off between stretchability and areal coverage. Leveraging this concept, we introduce an origami‐inspired mechanical coding scheme that embeds programmable folding behavior into the structure. A simple extension–release cycle drives unit folding initiation and full origami activation, achieving ultrahigh stretchability (500%) and initial effective areal coverage (225%), while maintaining stable photovoltaic output under extreme deformation and repeated cycling. To ensure reliable electrical integration, an intrinsically integrable nano‐root anchored AgNWs–In–Ga multiphasic alloy conductor was co‐fabricated with the structure, providing stable conductivity and enabling reversible stack‐and‐connect operation. This approach highlights geometric programmability as a key enabler for freeform photovoltaics, establishing a pathway toward multifunctional 3D energy systems for adaptive devices, and urban energy harvesting.
Article Details
Authors (16)
Seok Joon Hwang
Sustainable Energy Research Division Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Seoul Republic of Korea
Jiwon Ryu
Sustainable Energy Research Division Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Seoul Republic of Korea
Byungsoo Kang
Sustainable Energy Research Division Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Seoul Republic of Korea
Injong Oh
Department of Mechanical Engineering Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Daejeon Republic of Korea
Dae‐Hee Cho
Sustainable Energy Research Division Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Seoul Republic of Korea
YoungHoi Cho
Sustainable Energy Research Division Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Seoul Republic of Korea
Seung S. Lee
Department of Mechanical Engineering Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Daejeon Republic of Korea
Dong Hoe Kim
Department of Materials Science and Engineering Korea University Seoul Republic of Korea
Deokjae Choi
Department of Chemistry
Gee Yeong Kim
Sustainable Energy Research Division Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Seoul Republic of Korea
Heesuk Jung
Sustainable Energy Research Division Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Seoul Republic of Korea
Taehee Kim
Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences
Hyeonggeun Yu
Sustainable Energy Research Division Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Seoul Republic of Korea
Seungjun Chung
School of Electrical Engineering Korea University Seoul Republic of Korea
Byoung Koun Min
Sustainable Energy Research Division Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Seoul Republic of Korea
Phillip Lee
Sustainable Energy Research Division Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Seoul Republic of Korea