Work

Fostering conceptual understanding of organic solar cells through immersive augmented reality: a quasi-experimental study in chemistry education

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Organic solar cells (OSCs) are increasingly important in modern chemistry and sustainable energy education; however, undergraduate students often struggle to understand their molecular structure, charge generation, charge transport, and operating mechanisms because these processes are abstract, invisible, and difficult to convey using conventional instructional approaches. This study investigated whether an immersive augmented reality (AR) learning application could improve conceptual understanding of OSCs and reduce students’ misconceptions. The AR application was developed through a needs assessment with chemistry educators and incorporated interactive three-dimensional visualizations, molecular- and device-level explanations, and simulations of key OSC processes. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed, combining a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test study with semi-structured student interviews. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed that the instructional method had a significant effect on post-test performance after controlling for pre-test scores (F(1,117) = 214.67, p < .001, partial η² = 0.823), indicating a large educational effect. Students who used the AR application demonstrated substantially greater improvements in conceptual understanding than those receiving conventional instruction, particularly regarding OSC structure, operating mechanisms, molecular interactions, and charge transport, while misconceptions were markedly reduced. Student interviews further confirmed that immersive visualization enhanced understanding by making abstract molecular and device-level processes more accessible and engaging. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of immersive AR for improving conceptual learning in chemistry education and highlight its potential for teaching emerging sustainable energy technologies.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-74997-0

Authors: Muhammad Naeem Sarwar, Abdullah Muzil Alharbi, Muhammad Faizan Nazar

Institutions: University of Okara, University of Education, University of Hafr Al-Batin

Language: English

Topic: Augmented Reality Applications

Subfield: Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690