Ultrathin TiO₂ Films on ZnO Electron-Collecting Layers of Inverted Organic Solar Cell

Abstract

Nanostructured ZnO thin films were fabricated on indium tin oxide (ITO) as hole-blocking and electron-collecting layers of inverted organic solar cells. In addition, TiO 2 thin films were deposited on ZnO surfaces using atomic layer deposition. Ultrathin TiO 2 layers with a mean thickness of <3 nm could enhance photovoltaic performance of the inverted organic solar cell; in particular, short-circuit current ( J sc ) and power conversion efficiency (PCE) were increased by deposition of TiO 2 layers. A higher thickness of TiO 2 resulted in reduced photovoltaic performance. Studies on electronic structure using photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the TiO 2 layers should act as barrier for the electron-collection on ZnO. However, recombination of electrons and holes on the surface of ZnO can be quenched by TiO 2, resulting in an improved efficiency of the IOSCs. It is demonstrated that atomic layer deposition with a precise control of film thickness can be of potential application for fabrication of energy devices.