The power conversion efficiency optimization of the solar cells by doping of (Au:Ag) nanoparticles into P3HT:PCBM active layer prepared with chlorobenzene and chloroform solvents

Abstract

We report to enhance the power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells by embedding of (Au:Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) into P3HT:PCBM active layer of the organic solar cells. Furthermore, the effect of solvents based on chlorobenzene and chloroform on the P3HT:PCBM active layer has been investigated for comparison. As known, the performance of organic solar cells based on the blend of regioregular P3HT:PCBM is strongly influenced by blend composition. For this purpose, ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PCBM/(Au:Ag)NPs/LiF/Al quaternary hybrid solar cells were fabricated. Absorption, AFM, SEM and XRD measurements of the quaternary hydride active layers prepared with chlorobenzene (CB) and chloroform (CF) solvents were obtained. The optical energy band gap of the hybrid active layer was calculated. The highest PCE values were obtained for 1.2% Au: 0.3% Ag NPs ratios and the study has been focused on these values. (Au:Ag) NPs in the active layer increased the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the device from 2.11% to 3.29% and to 2.27% for prepared with CB and CF solvents, respectively. This increase was explained by the scatter of the incident light from the NPs and an enhancement of light absorption in the active layer of the solar cell, increasing the optical path distance.