On the role of bathocuproine in organic photovoltaic cells

Hans Gommans, Bregt Verreet, Barry P. Rand, Robert Muller, Jef Poortmans, Paul Heremans, Jan Genoe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

156 Scopus citations

Abstract

The effect of bathocuproine (BCP) on the optical and electrical properties of organic planar heterojunction photovoltaic cells is quantified by current-voltage characterization under 1 sun AM 1.5D simulated solar illumination and spectral response at short-circuit conditions. By inserting a 10 nm BCP layer in an indium tin oxide (ITO)/subphthalocyanine (SubPc)/buckminsterfullerene (C60)/BCP/Al thin-film structure, an increase in power-conversion efficiency from 0.05 to 3.0% is observed, mostly reflected in the enhanced open-circuit voltage up to 920mV. Furthermore, the incorporation of a 10-nm BCP layer in an ITO/C60/BCP/Al structure leads to an increase in built-in potential from 250 to 850mV, as demonstrated by electroabsorption. It is argued that BCP passivates C60 such that a 10-nm layer provides a sufficient buffer layer that prohibits Al contacting the C60 where it would otherwise create donor states.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3686-3691
Number of pages6
JournalAdvanced Functional Materials
Volume18
Issue number22
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 24 2008
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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