To ensure the long-term reliability of flexible photovoltaic (FPV) modules, it is crucial to develop an effective moisture barrier layer that prevents the infiltration of moisture and oxygen. We developed such a layer composed of parylene (700 nm) and AlOx (70 nm), optimizing its material properties, moisture-blocking performance, and processing conditions. The barrier layer applied to the Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) substrate demonstrated a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 6.33 × 10-2 g/m²/day and an average visible light transmittance (AVT) of 85.3% over the 380-780 nm wavelength range. For the FPV module with this barrier, Damp/Heat (DH) reliability testing was conducted at 85℃ and 85% relative humidity for up to 1,000 hours. During testing, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) decreased slightly from 25.4% (0 hr) to 24.7% (1,000 hr), reflecting a minimal reduction of only 0.7%. The primary cause of degradation was identified as a -4% relative change in shortcircuit current density (JSC) before and after DH testing. Consequently, the ETFE/parylene/AlOx multilayer moisture barrier proved highly effective in ensuring the long-term reliability of solar modules.
Oxide semiconductor gas sensors are widely used for detecting toxic, explosive, and flammable gases due to their simple structure, cost-effectiveness, and potential integration into compact devices. However, their reliable gas detection is hindered by a longstanding issue known as humidity dependence, wherein the sensor resistance and gas response change significantly in the presence of moisture. This problem has persisted since the inception of oxide semiconductor gas sensors in the 1960s. This paper explores the root causes of humidity dependence in oxide semiconductor gas sensors and presents strategies to address this challenge. Mitigation strategies include functionalizing the gas-sensing material with noble metal/transition metal oxides and rare-earth/rare-earth oxides, as well as implementing a moisture barrier layer to prevent moisture diffusion into the gas-sensing film. Developing oxide semiconductor gas sensors immune to humidity dependence is expected to yield substantial socioeconomic benefits by enabling medical diagnosis, food quality assessment, environmental monitoring, and sensor network establishment.