Geometric Light Trapping in 2D and 3D Structured Small Molecule Organic Solar Cells

2013 ◽  
Vol 1493 ◽  
pp. 317-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos Soldera ◽  
Emiliano Estrada ◽  
Kurt Taretto
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Organic Solar Cells ◽  
Collection Efficiency ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Light Trapping ◽  
Normal Incidence ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Textured Surfaces ◽  
Conversion Efficiencies ◽  
2D And 3D

ABSTRACTDespite organic solar cells have recently shown remarkable high power conversion efficiencies approaching 10%, further improvements are required to provide a low-cost alternative to inorganic photovoltaics. Optical losses related to insufficient light trapping and parasitic absorption of the contact layers limit drastically the photocurrent delivered by the cells. Textured surfaces, such as V-grooves (2D) and pyramids (3D), can provide better light coupling into the conformally deposited solar cells. In this work, we analyze the enhancement in light absorption in textured solar cells based on copper phtalocyanine (CuPc) and fullerene (C60) on the micro- and submicroscale. The analysis is carried out with the aid of the finite element method in 2D and 3D, taking into account interference as well as reflection and refraction of the incident AM1.5G spectrum. The results show that both type of structured cells perform better than planar cells reaching up to 23% improvement in maximum photocurrent for normal incidence. We also explore the lateral inhomogeneities of the generation rate within the active layers and their potential effect on the exciton collection efficiency.

scholarly journals Advancing colloidal quantum dot photovoltaic technology

Nanophotonics ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Cheng ◽  
Ebuka S. Arinze ◽  
Nathan Palmquist ◽  
Susanna M. Thon
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Light Trapping ◽  
Near Field ◽  
Nanoparticle Synthesis ◽  
Photon Absorption ◽  
Absorption Enhancement ◽  
Photovoltaic Technology ◽  
Carrier Extraction ◽  
Conversion Efficiencies

Abstract Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are attractive materials for solar cells due to their low cost, ease of fabrication and spectral tunability. Progress in CQD photovoltaic technology over the past decade has resulted in power conversion efficiencies approaching 10%. In this review, we give an overview of this progress, and discuss limiting mechanisms and paths for future improvement in CQD solar cell technology.We briefly summarize nanoparticle synthesis and film processing methods and evaluate the optoelectronic properties of CQD films, including the crucial role that surface ligands play in materials performance. We give an overview of device architecture engineering in CQD solar cells. The compromise between carrier extraction and photon absorption in CQD photovoltaics is analyzed along with different strategies for overcoming this trade-off. We then focus on recent advances in absorption enhancement through innovative device design and the use of nanophotonics. Several light-trapping schemes, which have resulted in large increases in cell photocurrent, are described in detail. In particular, integrating plasmonic elements into CQD devices has emerged as a promising approach to enhance photon absorption through both near-field coupling and far-field scattering effects. We also discuss strategies for overcoming the single junction efficiency limits in CQD solar cells, including tandem architectures, multiple exciton generation and hybrid materials schemes. Finally, we offer a perspective on future directions for the field and the most promising paths for achieving higher device efficiencies.

Efficiency Improvement of Organic Solar Cells Using 350 nm Surface Relief Grating by Holographic Lithography

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 484-489
Author(s):  
Minghui You ◽  
Jiayin Song ◽  
Zhaoxin Wang ◽  
Bei Wang ◽  
Jingsheng Liu
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Organic Solar Cells ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Light Trapping ◽  
Grating Period ◽  
Fdtd Simulation ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Device Structure ◽  
Sem Images ◽  
Conversion Efficiencies

There was inefficient light absorption in the thin active layers due to optical losses in Organic Solar Cells (OSCs) with relatively large area. Therefore, it is a key issue to have a light trapping structure for highly efficient OSCs. For high performance devices fabrication, a smart grating was fabricated using holographic photolithography incorporated with wet etching technology. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of fabrication were employed before/after spin-coating active layer. With the aid of optical finite difference time Domain (FDTD) simulation for optical effect, the optimized device structure ITO (1D grating)/PEDOT:PSS (40 nm)/PBDB-T:ITIC (100 nm)/PDINO (5 nm)/Al (100 nm) was obtained. The experimental results showed that when the grating period was 350 nm, depth 40 nm, the power conversion efficiencies (PCE) reached to 9.51%, an apparent increase from those of the typical P3HT:PC71BM structure. This work indicates that the diffraction gratings had a potential to realize more efficient organic photovoltaics, if suitable fabrication processing methods can be developed.

scholarly journals Recent Advances of Film–Forming Kinetics in Organic Solar Cells

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (22) ◽  
pp. 7604
Author(s):  
Qiuju Liang ◽  
Jianhong Yao ◽  
Zhangbo Hu ◽  
Puxin Wei ◽  
Haodong Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Organic Solar Cells ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Device Performance ◽  
Film Morphology ◽  
Forming Process ◽  
Crystallinity Degree ◽  
Film Forming ◽  
Donor And Acceptor ◽  
Conversion Efficiencies

Solution–processed organic solar cells (OSC) have been explored widely due to their low cost and convenience, and impressive power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) which have surpassed 18%. In particular, the optimization of film morphology, including the phase separation structure and crystallinity degree of donor and acceptor domains, is crucially important to the improvement in PCE. Considering that the film morphology optimization of many blends can be achieved by regulating the film–forming process, it is necessary to take note of the employment of solvents and additives used during film processing, as well as the film–forming conditions. Herein, we summarize the recent investigations about thin films and expect to give some guidance for its prospective progress. The different film morphologies are discussed in detail to reveal the relationship between the morphology and device performance. Then, the principle of morphology regulating is concluded with. Finally, a future controlling of the film morphology and development is briefly outlined, which may provide some guidance for further optimizing the device performance.

scholarly journals Highly efficient organic solar cells enabled by a porous ZnO/PEIE electron transport layer with enhanced light trapping

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 808-819
Author(s):  
Shenya Qu ◽  
Jiangsheng Yu ◽  
Jinru Cao ◽  
Xin Liu ◽  
Hongtao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Electron Transport ◽  
Organic Solar Cells ◽  
Light Trapping ◽  
Transport Layer ◽  
Electron Transport Layer ◽  
Highly Efficient

Nonfullerene acceptors for P3HT-based organic solar cells

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shreyam Chatterjee ◽  
Seihou JINNAI ◽  
Yutaka Ie
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
High Power ◽  
Organic Solar Cells ◽  
Power Conversion ◽  
Conversion Efficiencies

Progressive advancement of remarkably high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of organic solar cells (OSCs) largely depends on the development of norfullerene acceptors (NFAs), revealing stupendous ability of OSCs to shift...

scholarly journals Molecular design revitalizes the low-cost PTV-polymer for highly efficient organic solar cells

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junzhen Ren ◽  
Pengqing Bi ◽  
Jianqi Zhang ◽  
Jiao Liu ◽  
Jingwen Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Organic Solar Cells ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Molecular Design ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Stable Conformation ◽  
Chemical Structures ◽  
Aggregation Effect ◽  
Industrialization Process

Abstract Developing photovoltaic materials with simple chemical structures and easy synthesis still remains a major challenge in the industrialization process of organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, an ester substituted poly(thiophene vinylene) derivative, PTVT-T, was designed and synthesized in very few steps by adopting commercially available raw materials. The ester groups on the thiophene units enable PTVT-T to have a planar and stable conformation. Moreover, PTVT-T presents a wide absorption band and strong aggregation effect in solution, which are the key characteristics needed to realize high performance in non-fullerene-acceptor (NFA)-based OSCs. We then prepared OSCs by blending PTVT-T with three representative fullerene- and NF-based acceptors, PC71BM, IT-4F and BTP-eC9. It was found that PTVT-T can work well with all the acceptors, showing great potential to match new emerging NFAs. Particularly, a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 16.20% is achieved in a PTVT-T:BTP-eC9-based device, which is the highest value among the counterparts based on PTV derivatives. This work demonstrates that PTVT-T shows great potential for the future commercialization of OSCs.

scholarly journals Synthesis and Theoretical Investigation Using DFT of 2,3-Diphenylquinoxaline Derivatives for Electronic and Photovoltaic Effects

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorota Zając ◽  
Dariusz Przybylski ◽  
Jadwiga Sołoducho
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Acrylic Acid ◽  
Organic Semiconductors ◽  
Organic Solar Cells ◽  
Molecular Design ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Design Synthesis ◽  
Semiconducting Properties ◽  
Homo Lumo

AbstractDeveloping effective and low‐cost organic semiconductors is an opportunity for the development of organic solar cells (OPV). Herein, we report the molecular design, synthesis and characterization of two molecules with D–A–D–A configuration: 2-cyano-3-(5-(8-(3,4-ethylenodioxythiophen-5-yl)-2,3-diphenylquinoxalin-5-yl)thiophen-2-yl)acrylic acid (6) and 2-cyano-3-(5-(2,3-diphenyl-8-(thiophen-2-yl)quinoxalin-5-yl)thiophen-2-yl)acrylic acid (7). Moreover, we investigated the structural, theoretical and optical properties. The distribution of HOMO/LUMO orbitals and the values of the ionization potential indicate good semiconducting properties of the compounds and that they can be a bipolar material. Also, the optical study show good absorption in visible light (λabs 380–550 nm). We investigate the theoretical optoelectronic properties of obtained compounds as potential materials for solar cells.

Over 13%‐Efficient Organic Solar Cells Based on Low‐cost Pentacyclic A‐DA’D‐A Type Non‐fullerene Acceptor

Solar RRL ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiage Song ◽  
Fangfang Cai ◽  
Can Zhu ◽  
Honggang Chen ◽  
Qingya Wei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Organic Solar Cells ◽  
Low Cost

15.71% Efficiency All‐Small‐Molecule Organic Solar Cells Based on Low‐Cost Synthesized Donor Molecules

2021 ◽  
pp. 2110159
Author(s):  
Jing Guo ◽  
Beibei Qiu ◽  
Dengchen Yang ◽  
Can Zhu ◽  
Liuyang Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Small Molecule ◽  
Organic Solar Cells ◽  
Low Cost
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