Printable transparent electrodes for organic photovoltaics
HeiQ Xpectra is a transparent conductive coating used to print transparent electrodes in organic photovoltaics. It combines high electrical conductivity with optical transparency, supporting lightweight and flexible OPV designs. The coating is compatible with roll‑to‑roll production and integrates into established OPV manufacturing processes.
Key benefits
Printable transparent electrodes Enables printing of top and bottom electrodes for OPV, replacing opaque or sputtered solutions.
High conductivity with high transparency Supports efficient charge transport while maintaining optical transparency, with haze values below 5%.
Flexible and lightweight Suitable for bendable substrates used in flexible OPV and printed electronics.
Low‑temperature processing Processable at low temperatures, supporting compatibility with sensitive substrates and multilayer OPV stacks.
Scalable for industrial production Designed for roll‑to‑roll processing for cost‑efficient, high‑volume OPV manufacturing.
Transparent electrodes printed with HeiQ Xpectra in organic photovoltaics.
Applications
HeiQ Xpectra can be printed onto flexible substrates.
Organic photovoltaics (OPV)
Printable transparent top and bottom electrodes for flexible solar cells.
Flexible and wearable electronics
Conductive transparent layers for bendable electronic devices.
Printed electronics platforms
Roll‑to‑roll compatible conductive coatings for large‑area printed systems.
The science behind HeiQ Xpectra OPV
HeiQ Xpectra OPV is a transparent conductive coating based on a fine network of embedded precious metal wires in a transparent, flexible ...
HeiQ Xpectra OPV is a transparent conductive coating based on a fine network of embedded precious metal wires in a transparent, flexible matrix. The network provides electrical conductivity while allowing visible light to pass through with low haze. The coating can be printed at low temperatures and is compatible with roll‑to‑roll OPV manufacturing processes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is HeiQ Xpectra OPV used for?
How does HeiQ Xpectra OPV differ from conventional transparent electrodes?
Is HeiQ Xpectra OPV compatible with industrial OPV production?
HeiQ Xpectra OPV is used as a transparent electrode in organic photovoltaics. It enables printable top and bottom electrodes without sputtering or opaque materials.
Conventional transparent electrodes often rely on sputtered layers that limit flexibility. HeiQ Xpectra OPV is printable, flexible, and suitable for roll‑to‑roll processing.
Yes. The coating is designed for scalable, roll‑to‑roll manufacturing and low‑temperature processing used in industrial OPV lines.
News: HeiQ announces breakthrough in the development of transparent conductive coatings
The new application of HeiQ ECOS coating using silver wires makes energy efficiency possible using photovoltaics, leading to indoor energy harvesting for sensors that need no batteries to operate, among other end uses.
The new application of HeiQ ECOS coating using silver wires makes energy efficiency possible using photovoltaics, leading to indoor energy harvesting for sensors that need no batteries to operate, among other end uses.
HeiQ, a global leader in materials innovation focusing on making everyday products more comfortable, hygienic, protective, and sustainable, announces a breakthrough in the development of transparent conductive coatings. HeiQ ECOS is a patented technology using silver wires, which can be applied to virtually all substrates.
Based on recent technological breakthroughs, HeiQ ECOS coatings are now fully transparent and strongly conductive. When applied to windows and other surfaces, the HeiQ ECOS coatings can be used to save heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer, by reflecting temperatures up to 85% both on transparent and opaque materials. HeiQ ECOS is also resource efficient, with just 10g of silver wires being enough for covering more than 200 m2 of surface area.
Tom Ellefsen, Head of HeiQ’s Business Unit Coatings & Polymers, encourages interested parties to visit HeiQ’s booth at the European Coating Show in Nürnberg, March 28-30, where HeiQ will demonstrate various applications of the ECOS technology and provide technical details to visitors.
A new field of application for HeiQ ECOS In a recent innovation project between HeiQ, Enerthing, and the University of Nuremberg (FAU, Friedrich-Alexander University) a new generation of HeiQ ECOS coatings was used as transparent electrodes in semi-transparent printed photovoltaic modules with excellent performance. In the printed solar modules, HeiQ ECOS was used as the top and bottom electrodes, which goes far beyond the state of the art. Enerthing is planning to implement the technology an indoor photovoltaic technology that even works with artificial light and acts as an energy source for sensors. Visit the HeiQ team at the European Coatings Show 2023 (March 28-30) in Nuremberg, Germany, to learn more: Booth 221 in Hall 3A
Joint material development with HeiQ is a phased collaboration that takes your idea toward a validated, launch-ready material.
Joint material development with HeiQ is a phased collaboration that takes your idea toward a validated, launch-ready material. Through a Joint Development Agreement (JDA), we define shared milestones, run focused proof-of-concept work, and make go or no-go decisions at each stage. You work directly with HeiQ experts and facilities, following a clear and transparent IP framework.
Joint Development Agreements (JDAs) bring partners and HeiQ teams together to develop solutions side by side, with direct, day‑to‑day access to HeiQ experts.
Read more
Related products
HeiQ Xpectra
Transparent signature management coatings
Transparent coating technology for thermal infrared and electromagnetic signature management.
HeiQ Xpectra
Transparent heat-reflecting coatings for buildings
Transparent low‑e wall coating for indoor applications that improves energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
English (EN)
Deutsch (DE)
Nederlands (NL)
中文 (ZH)
