Effect of transparent electrode on the performance of bulk heterojunction solar cells

A. A.Damitha T. Adikaari, Joe Briscoe, Steve Dunn, J. David Carey, S. Ravi P. Silva

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

We present a performance comparison of polythiophene/fullerene derivative bulk heterojunction solar cells fabricated on fluorinated tin oxide (FTO) and indium tin oxide (ITO) in the presence and absence of the commonly used poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) hole extraction layer. From a potential commercial perspective the performance of cheaper and more readily available FTO compares well with the more expensive ITO in terms of measured device efficiency (FTO:2.8 % and ITO:3.1%). The devices show similar fill factors (FTO:63% and ITO:64%) with the same open circuit voltage of 0.6 V. The short circuit current density is lower for FTO devices at 7.5 mA/cm2 which compares with 8.0 mA/cm2 for ITO; a behaviour that is mainly attributed to the reduced optical transmission of the FTO layer. Importantly, these devices were part fabricated and wholly characterized under atmospheric conditions. The quoted device performance is the best reported for FTO based bulk heterojunction systems in the absence of the highly acidic PEDOT:PSS hole extraction layer, which is believed to degrade conductive oxides.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOrganic Photovoltaics and Related Electronics - From Excitons to Devices
PublisherMaterials Research Society
Pages67-71
Number of pages5
ISBN (Print)9781605112473
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2010
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameMaterials Research Society Symposium Proceedings
Volume1270
ISSN (Print)0272-9172

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