Organic photovoltaic cells based on TPBi as a cathode buffer layer

• Published in: Solar energy materials and solar cells Vol. 95; no. 2; pp. 664 - 668
• Main Authors: Yu, Junsheng, Wang, Nana, Zang, Yue, Jiang, Yadong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.02.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Cathode buffer; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Interface morphology; Natural energy; Organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells; Photoelectric conversion; Photovoltaic conversion; Solar cells. Photoelectrochemical cells; Solar energy; TPBi; TPBi; Organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells; Interface morphology; Cathode buffer; Solar cell; Buffer layer; Organic photovoltaics; Cathode; Morphology
• ISSN: 0927-0248; 1879-3398
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2010.09.037

The performance of organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells based on copper phthalocyanine (CuPc)/C 60 heterojunction was investigated by focusing on the role of 1,3,5-tris(2-N-phenylbenzimidazolyl) benzene (TPBi) as a cathode buffer layer. The effect of the film thickness of TPBi layer on the electrical characteristics of the device was systematically studied. The interface between the acceptor and cathode was studied with the characterization of atomic force microscope. Optical field distribution inside the OPV cell was also simulated to gain insight into the mechanism responsible for TPBi used as an optical spacer. The results indicated that at an optimal film thickness, TPBi cathode buffer layer is essential to enhance device performance by forming improved interfacial contact without introducing more series resistance and current loss. [Display omitted]