Application of metal-doped organic layer both as exciton blocker and optical spacer for organic photovoltaic devices

Abstract

An effective optical spacer based on doping of ytterbium (Yb) metal into bathophenanthroline (BPhen) has been developed for applications in organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. Utilizing Yb:BPhen as an optical spacer in standard copper phthalocyanine/C60 photovoltaic devices, power efficiency can be increased by four times to 3.42%. Ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy measurements reveal that the good electron transport between C60 and Yb:BPhen is mainly related to the suitable energy level alignment at the interface. Combining with its high optical transparency and electrical conductivity, the Yb:BPhen film provides a useful means for maximizing the power conversion efficiency of OPV devices.