Abstract 

A key performance indicator for organic solar cells (OSCs) is their power output (power conversion efficiency [PCE] × photoactive area), which determines the scope of devices that OSCs can support. Intrinsically stretchable OSCs (IS-OSCs) have the potential to expand their substrates and photoactive layers when stretched, potentially increasing overall power output (PCE × photoactive area) if the expansion in the photoactive area compensates for any reduction in PCE. In this study, we demonstrate strain-induced power output enhancement in IS-OSCs by developing a polymer donor (PBET-TF) with exceptional mechanical robustness. The PBET-TF-based IS-OSCs not only maintain their initial power output but also achieve a power increase, as evidenced by a 5% rise in power output when strained to 40%. This contrasts with the results from conventional high-performance PBDB-TF (PM6)-based IS-OSCs, which lose 87% of their initial power output only after being strained to 20%.