A method to construct a flexible photovoltaic cell using polymer membrane was tested, in which the photovoltaic microcells were fabricated into the micropores of the polymer membrane film. Poly(3-octylthiophene) (P3OT) was chosen as the donor compound to play the role of light absorber, while fullerene was used as the electron acceptor. Polymer formation methods into the micropores of the membrane were studied. Two types of photovoltaic microcells were prepared: bilayer heterojunction and bulk heterojunction. Their structures, morphology, and electrochemical behavior were analyzed in terms of their application for flexible solar cells. The membrane containing the microcells was sandwiched between indium tin oxide (ITO) and Al electrodes and the current-voltage characteristics were analyzed. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.