High-Performance Thin-Film Indoor Photovoltaics

With the rapid advancement of the Internet of Things (IoTs) in contemporary society, the energy demand for these systems has become increasingly evident. Indoor photovoltaics (IPVs) offer a promising solution by providing a lightweight and sustainable power source for IoT devices. Among the various types of photovoltaic cells, amorphous silicon (a-Si), organic photovoltaics (OPVs), gallium arsenide (GaAs), dye-sensitized (DSSCs), and the recently perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have shown suitability for indoor applications. Despite their strategic importance, several challenges impede their widespread adoption and development. These include the need for improved adaptability to diverse indoor lighting conditions, enhanced integration with IoT ecosystems, significant reduction in production costs, and addressing concerns regarding device toxicity and long-term stability. To overcome these hurdles, it is essential to optimize fabrication processes, ensure seamless coordination with IoT infrastructures, and develop more precise testing platforms specifically designed for evaluating the performance of indoor photovoltaic technologies. This multifaceted approach will be crucial in driving the progress and broader implementation of IPVs within the realm of IoT.

Topics covered include, but are not limited to:

Guest Editors

Zhao-Kui Wang, Soochow University, China

Michael Saliba, University of Stuttgart, Germany

Letian Dou, Purdue University, USA

Wing Chung Tsoi, Swansea University, UK