Photovoltaic device

A photovoltaic device comprising:

• a network of coated fibers, wherein each coated fiber of said network of coated fibers comprises:
• an optically transparent innermost fiber core consisting of a p-type silicon carbide (SiC) and being a first transparent semiconductor, wherein the first transparent semiconductor is a p-type electron acceptor, the optically transparent innermost fiber core withstanding mechanical stress and having mechanical flexibility;
• a semiconductor coating comprising a conjugated polymer which is a second transparent semiconductor sheathing the optically transparent innermost fiber core and electrically connected to the optically transparent innermost fiber core, wherein the second transparent semiconductor is an n-type electron donor;
• and
• at least one additional layer surrounding the semiconductor coating and electrically connected to the semiconductor coating, wherein the at least one additional layer comprises at least one at least semi-transparent electrical conducting material;
• wherein the first transparent semiconductor and the second transparent semiconductor form a semiconductor p-n-junction;
• wherein each of the coated fibers has a length of about 5 mm and a diameter between 20 nm and 100 μm;
• wherein at least one of the components of the semiconductor p-n-junction comprises a photoactive material to create photoinduced excitons such that the semiconductor p-n-junction comprises a photovoltaic element having a photovoltaic effect between the optically transparent innermost fiber core consisting of the first transparent semiconductor and the semiconductor coating comprising the second transparent semiconductor;
• and
• wherein each coated fiber of said network of coated fibers contacts at least one other coated fiber of said network of coated fibers so that the network of coated fibers comprises a two-dimensionally extended arrangement of multiple at least partially intersecting single coated fibers and so that the coated fibers are interlinked with each other;
• and
• wherein the SiC is an electron acceptor in a hybrid polymer/SiC cell.