Synergistic amplification of short-circuit current for organic solar cells via modulation of P3HT:PCBM spatial distribution with solvent treatment

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10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Efficient charge transport across proper interfacial contacts is crucial in organic solar cells. In this paper, the surface of the P3HT:PCBM bulk heterojunction (BHJ) layer is treated with ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) prior to cathode buffer layer and top cathode deposition. Comparing to the nontreated P3HT:PCBM active layers, enhancement of short-circuit current (Jsc) to about 11 mA/cm2 is observed in the EGME-treated P3HT:PCBM BHJ layers. On the other hand, two cathode buffer layers, ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and LiF, are utilized to block holes and diminish the electron-hole recombination near the cathode, which consequently promote the open-circuit voltage (Voc) to about 0.6 V. To integrate these two approaches, the EGME-treated P3HT:PCBM active layer and the ZnO NPs or LiF cathode buffer layer are applied concurrently. These two approaches work synergistically to enhance the Jsc to 16.3 mA/cm2 or higher. With the distinct Jsc performance, the efficiencies of P3HT:PCBM cells using EGME treatment in combination with the ZnO/Al and LiF/Al cathodes are successfully amplified to 4.68% and 4.32%, respectively. The mechanism behind the synergistic amplification on Jsc will be analyzed based on the superficial morphology of the P3HT:PCBM active layer.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)14472-14478
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry C
Volume117
Issue number28
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013 Jul 18

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • General Energy
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films

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