In the wave of global energy transition, the new energy industry is reshaping the energy landscape at an astonishing speed. In this transformation, organic silicon materials have quietly become the "hidden champions" in the field of new energy due to their unique performance advantages. From solar photovoltaics to new energy vehicles, from energy storage systems to hydrogen applications, the presence of organic silicon is ubiquitous, providing key support for the efficient utilization of clean energy.


The 'Guardian' of the Photovoltaic Field
Solar photovoltaic technology is one of the core areas of new energy, and organic silicon is the "guardian" of photovoltaic modules. In photovoltaic systems, solar cells are extremely fragile and easily damaged by long-term exposure to extreme temperatures, strong ultraviolet radiation, and wind and rain erosion. Organic silicone adhesive has become an ideal choice for battery module packaging due to its excellent weather resistance, sealing, and electrical insulation properties. For example, in the preparation of photovoltaic backsheet and sealant, organic silicon materials can effectively isolate moisture, oxygen, and ultraviolet rays, significantly extending the service life of the components.


More cutting-edge research is driving breakthroughs in photovoltaic efficiency. In 2024, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology collaborated with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory of the United States to apply an organic silicon passivation layer to perovskite solar cells through chiral mediated interface technology, maintaining a power conversion efficiency of 92% in thermal cycling tests and stable efficiency in wet heat tests. This achievement paves the way for the commercialization of perovskite batteries. In addition, organic silicon salt doping technology has been used to optimize the energy level structure of copper zinc tin sulfide selenide (CZTSSe) solar cells, increasing the cell efficiency to 13.02% and significantly improving the open circuit voltage.


The 'safety guard' of new energy vehicles
The "three electric systems" (battery, motor, and electronic control) of new energy vehicles require extremely high material performance, and organosilicon is the "safety guard" that meets these requirements. In the power battery pack, organic silicone sealant and thermal conductive materials can effectively dissipate heat and prevent safety hazards caused by battery overheating; Its excellent electrical insulation performance can protect the battery management system from electromagnetic interference. For example, the customized silicone thermal conductive adhesive material developed by Eken Company has been widely used in battery modules of mainstream domestic automotive companies, significantly improving the safety and reliability of batteries.


Under the trend of lightweighting in new energy vehicles, organosilicon also plays a key role. Its low density and high elasticity make it an ideal choice for wire harness protection, sensor packaging, and interior materials. For example, silicone rubber cables can maintain stable performance over a wide temperature range of -60 ℃ to 250 ℃, far exceeding traditional materials.


The 'Innovation Engine' of Energy Storage and Hydrogen Energy
In the field of energy storage, organic silicon materials are driving innovation in battery technology. As a solid electrolyte, organosilicon can inhibit lithium dendrite growth and improve electrochemical stability; As a sealing material, it can protect the battery from environmental influences. For example, in lithium-ion batteries, organic silicon separator coatings can significantly improve the thermal stability and mechanical strength of the separator, extending the battery's cycle life.


Hydrogen energy is an important direction for future energy, and organic silicon also shows great potential. In low-temperature hydrogen storage technology, organic silicon materials significantly increase hydrogen storage density by adsorbing hydrogen gas and storing it at low temperatures. The controllability of its structure and chemical composition enables it to flexibly adapt to different hydrogen storage needs. In addition, organosilicon has shown broad prospects in the fields of hydrogen transmission, hydrogen separation, and hydrogen fuel cells. For example, the hydrogen sensor based on polydimethylsiloxane film for self driven frictional nanogenerators provides a new solution for safe hydrogen energy applications.


Practitioners of Green Transformation
The green development concept of the organic silicon industry is highly compatible with the new energy industry. In recent years, domestic enterprises have significantly reduced energy consumption and emissions in the production process through technological transformation and process optimization. For example, if the diameter of the fluidized bed reactor is expanded to 4 meters, the selectivity of dimethyl dichlorosilane is increased to over 83%, and the energy consumption per unit product is significantly reduced. At the same time, the industry is actively promoting a circular economy, such as Solvay Group shifting its highly dispersed silica production raw materials to recycled materials to reduce dependence on natural resources.


From photovoltaics to new energy vehicles, from energy storage to hydrogen energy, organic silicon materials are injecting strong momentum into the high-quality development of the new energy industry with the posture of "invisible champions". With the continuous breakthroughs in technology and the continuous expansion of applications, organosilicon will play a more important role in the global energy transition.