PEDOT:PSS with embedded TiO2 nanoparticles as light trapping electrode for organic photovoltaics

Abstract

The performance of organic optoelectronic devices can be improved by employing a suitable optical cavity design beyond the standard plane layer approach, e.g., by the inclusion of periodically or randomly textured structures which increase light incoupling or extraction. One of the simplest approaches is to add an additional layer containing light scattering particles into the device stack. Solution processed poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) thin films are promising for replacing the brittle and expensive indium tin oxide transparent electrode. We use a blend of 100 nm TiO2 scattering particles in PEDOT:PSS solution to fabricate transparent electrode films which also functions as a scattering layer. When utilized in an organic photovoltaic device, a power conversion efficiency of 7.92% is achieved, which is an 8.6% relative improvement compared to a device with a neat PEDOT:PSS electrode without the nanoparticles. This improvement is caused by an increase in short-circuit current due to an improved photon harvesting in the 320 nm–700 nm spectral wavelength range.