This work describes the preparation of a novel substrate based on keratin extracted from wool and its application as potential support for solution‐processed organic solar cells. Optically transparent, free‐standing, and resistant keratin films are successfully prepared, starting from water solution, and characterized in terms of morphology, structure, thermal and mechanical properties. The effect of solvents and thermal annealing is also investigated in order to mimic and evaluate the impact of the processing conditions used for devices fabrication. Thermally annealed keratin films exhibit enhanced optical transparency (>87%) in the visible region of the spectrum, a transition from α‐helix to β‐sheet and turn structures, improved thermal stability and Young's modulus. The good transparency, flatness, and resistance of as‐cast substrates allow the successful preparation of organic solar cells. Photovoltaic performances similar to those reported for other natural/biobased supports are achieved, confirming the potential of keratin film as an alternative and promising support material for eco‐friendly, fully printable, sustainable, and inexpensive optoelectronic devices.

中文翻译：

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角蛋白膜对有机光电器件具有天然和生态支持作用

这项工作描述了一种基于从羊毛中提取的角蛋白的新型基质的制备及其作为溶液加工有机太阳能电池的潜在支持。从水溶液开始，成功制备了光学透明，自立且具有抵抗力的角蛋白膜，并在形态，结构，热和机械性能方面进行了表征。为了模拟和评估用于器件制造的加工条件的影响，还研究了溶剂和热退火的影响。热退火的角蛋白膜在光谱的可见光区域显示出增强的光学透明性（> 87％），从α螺旋过渡到β折叠和转向结构，改善了热稳定性和杨氏模量。良好的透明度，平整度，铸态基材的电阻和电阻可以成功制备有机太阳能电池。实现了与其他天然/生物基载体类似的光伏性能，这证实了角蛋白膜作为环保，可完全印刷，可持续且廉价的光电器件的替代和有前途的载体材料的潜力。