Realization of solution processed multi-layer bulk heterojunction organic solar cells by electro-spray deposition

• Published in: Organic electronics Vol. 13; no. 10; pp. 2130 - 2137
• Main Authors: Ali, Mushtaq, Abbas, Mamatimin, Shah, Said Karim, Tuerhong, Rouzhaji, Generosi, Amanda, Paci, Barbara, Hirsch, Lionel, Gunnella, Roberto
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.10.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Compound structure devices; Condensed Matter; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Electro-spray; Electronics; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Materials Science; Metals. Metallurgy; Methods of deposition of films and coatings; film growth and epitaxy; Multi-layer deposition; Natural energy; Organic solar cells; Photovoltaic conversion; Physics; Production techniques; Semiconductor electronics. Microelectronics. Optoelectronics. Solid state devices; Solar cells. Photoelectrochemical cells; Solar energy; Solution processing; Spray coating techniques; Surface treatment; Multi-layer deposition; Organic solar cells; Solution processing; Electro-spray; Solvent effect; Conversion rate; Electrostatic discharge; Spray coating; Photovoltaic cell; Lamellar structure; Energy conversion; Reflectometry; Growth from solution; Organic electronics; Heterojunction; Active layer; Multiple layer; Lattice parameters; Dispersive spectrometry; Solar cell; Organic solvent; Acceptor center; Spin-on coatings; Homogeneity; Donor center; Heterostructures
• ISSN: 1566-1199; 1878-5530
• DOI: 10.1016/j.orgel.2012.06.016

[Display omitted] ► Electrospray deposition was applied for bulk heterojunction organic solar cells. ► Strong solvent effect was observed. ► Trilayer active layers were fabricated through simple deposition steps. ► Below 130°C annealing temperature, trilayer devices showed best performance. Electro-spray deposition (ESD) was applied to fabricate solution processed donor–acceptor bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaic devices with multi-layer structure. Solvent effect was observed when using different organic solvents. Power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the devices prepared from dichlorobenzene increased dramatically comparing to the ones from chloroform, owing to improved homogeneity of the films. ESD enabled us to fabricate solution processed multi-layer (donor/donor:acceptor/acceptor) devices with simple successive deposition steps. Energy Dispersive X-ray Reflectometry analysis confirmed distinct three layered structure of the active layers. Solar cell device parameters of the trilayer devices were compared to single layer devices and those of spin coated devices with the same donor:acceptor ratio and film thickness. Post-thermal treatment results showed that after annealing at 125°C, trilayer devices exhibited best performance with the maximum PCE of 2.17%.