Challenges and Future Prospects of Organic Photovoltaics for Underwater Applications

This perspective explores the potential of organic photovoltaics (OPVs) for underwater applications, focusing on their tunable absorption properties and adaptability to the aquatic environment. As OPV is compatible with the visible light spectrum in water, it is promising for integration into the Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT). This perspective discusses challenges of water-induced degradation, light attenuation, and fouling, and highlights strategies to address these issues, including material stabilization, advanced encapsulation, and antifouling technologies. In addition, the importance of characterization techniques tailored for underwater photovoltaic systems is emphasized. By addressing these challenges, OPV can become a sustainable energy solution for underwater exploration, monitoring, and smart aquatic networks.