Studies of the optimization of recombination layers for inverted tandem polymer solar cells

Jae Won Shim, Yinhua Zhou, Canek Fuentes-Hernandez, Amir Dindar, Zelei Guan, Hyeunseok Cheun, Antoine Kahn, Bernard Kippelen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

We report on an optimization study of recombination layers in inverted tandem bulk heterojunction polymeric solar cells. Modification of bilayers of MoO x/Ag with a polymeric surface modifier, polyethylenimine ethoxylated (PEIE), is found to significantly improve the performance of these recombination layers. The improvement is assigned to a significant reduction by 1.5 eV of the work function of the Ag with PEIE. An analysis of the electrical, optical, and surface properties of the recombination trilayer is presented. Inverted tandem polymer solar cells, fabricated with two identical active layers comprising a donor polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), and a fullerene derivative acceptor, [6,6]-phenyl C 61 butyric acid methyl ester (PC 60BM), provide a proof-of-principle demonstration of the effectiveness of the MoO x/Ag/PEIE trilayer as recombination layer. Such tandem cells yield an open-circuit voltage of 1042 mV and fill factors of 0.62, comparable to those of single cells (0.63) under simulated AM 1.5G, 100 mW/cm 2 illumination. Preliminary shelf lifetime studies suggest that these trilayer recombination layers show good air stability.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)51-55
Number of pages5
JournalSolar Energy Materials and Solar Cells
Volume107
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2012

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films

Keywords

  • Inverted structure
  • Polyethylenimine ethoxylated
  • Polymer tandem solar cells
  • Recombination layer

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