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Published on: January 10, 2017
Hybrid polymer/nanoparticle solar cells: preparation, principles and challenges
1Manchester Materials Science Centre, School of Materials, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. brian.saunders@manchester.ac.uk
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|January 3, 2012
Summary
Hybrid polymer/nanoparticle solar cells show promise but suffer from low power conversion efficiencies (PCE) due to nanoparticle aggregation and surface ligands. Advancements are needed for commercial viability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy
- Colloid Science
Background:
- Hybrid polymer/nanoparticle solar cells utilize semiconducting inorganic nanoparticles and conjugated polymers for light harvesting.
- These cells offer potential for high power conversion efficiencies (PCE).
- Current PCEs are lower than anticipated, hindering commercialization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preparation methods for hybrid polymer/nanoparticle solar cells from a colloid science perspective.
- To analyze PCE data from 2005-2011 and compare hybrid polymer/nanoparticle cells with polymer/fullerene cells.
- To identify key factors limiting PCE in these hybrid solar cells.
Main Methods:
- Review of preparation methods focusing on colloidal aspects.
- Analysis of published PCE data for hybrid polymer/nanoparticle solar cells (2005-2011).
- Case studies of specific hybrid systems to investigate aggregation and film morphology.
Main Results:
- Identified uncontrolled aggregation and residual insulating ligands as primary causes for low PCE.
- PCE data comparison revealed lower performance for hybrid polymer/nanoparticle cells versus polymer/fullerene cells in the reviewed period.
- Colloidal studies demonstrated the impact of aggregation on composite film morphology.
Conclusions:
- Significant advancements in preparation strategies are necessary to boost PCEs.
- Achieving 10% PCE is crucial for widespread commercialization of hybrid polymer/nanoparticle solar cells.
- Exploration of novel nanoparticles for future terawatt-scale solar energy production is warranted.
