Effects of ZnO buffer layer and depth profiling analysis of bulk heterojunction organic solar cells

P. S. Mbule, T. H. Kim, B. S. Kim, U. C. Swart, O. M. Ntwaeaborwa

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

Abstract

In this study, bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells (OSCs) with a ZnO nanoparticle buffer layer were fabricated. The BHJ-OSCs comprised of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6, 6]-phenyl butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as photoactive layer blend on the substrate coated with a hole transporting layer poly (3, 4ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) followed by a ZnO nanoparticle buffer layer and Al layer. The devices were then annealed at 155 °C before (device A) and after (device B) the deposition of the Al electrode. Device A (annealed device) showed improved photovoltaic (PV) characteristics when compared to Device B. Depth profile analysis/interface analysis and elemental mapping of BHJ-OSCs was performed by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). Signals arising from 27A1, 16O, 12C 32S, 64Zn, 28Si, 120Sn and 115In allowed us to clearly identify the ITO, PEDOT:PSS, P3HT:PCBM, ZnO and Al cathode layers, respectively. The effect of post-fabrcation annealing on PV characteristics of the BHJ-OSC devices are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTechnical Proceedings of the 2013 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Expo, NSTI-Nanotech 2013
Pages113-116
Number of pages4
Publication statusPublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
EventNanotechnology 2013: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites - 2013 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Expo, NSTI-Nanotech 2013 - Washington, DC, United States
Duration: 12 May 201316 May 2013

Publication series

NameTechnical Proceedings of the 2013 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Expo, NSTI-Nanotech 2013
Volume1

Conference

ConferenceNanotechnology 2013: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites - 2013 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Expo, NSTI-Nanotech 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityWashington, DC
Period12/05/1316/05/13

Keywords

  • Depth profile
  • Organic solar cells
  • Photovoltaics
  • Power conversion efficiency
  • Zinc oxide

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology

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