Optimization of active-layer thickness, top electrode and annealing temperature for polymeric solar cells

Abstract

Organic solar cells, processed from solution at various optimizing device parameters, were investigated. The device’s active-layer film-thicknesses were optimized while depositing at different spin speeds where 120-nm-thick layer (D2) gives maximum power conversion efficiency of 2.9%, annealed at 165 °C. The reason is ascribed as sufficient light absorption, excitons dissociation/diffusion and carriers transportation. In the case of Ca/Al, being as a top electrode rather than LiF/Al and Al, substantial efficiency enhancement, from 1.70% to 2.78%, was obtained at low temperature, 130 °C, providing ease for charge collection and pertaining conductive nature of increased resistivity at high temperature.

Keywords

• polymeric solar cells
• solution processed
• spin coating
• active-layer thicknesses
• top-metal electrodes
• thermal annealing