Efficient light trapping in inverted polymer solar cells by a randomly nanostructured electrode using monodispersed...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Optoelectronics

Background:

• Polymer solar cells (PSCs) offer a promising renewable energy source.
• Enhancing light absorption in thin active layers is crucial for improving PSC performance.
• Textured electrodes can improve light trapping via scattering, increasing absorption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of randomly nanotextured back electrodes on inverted-type PSC performance.
• To explore light trapping enhancement through nanoparticle-induced surface roughness.
• To optimize nanoparticle incorporation for improved photocurrent and power conversion efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of 60 nm polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs) into a 50 nm poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) anode buffer layer.
• Fabrication of inverted-type PSCs with randomly nanotextured back electrodes.
• Characterization of device performance, including short-circuit current density (Jsc) and power conversion efficiency (PCE).
• Analysis of external quantum efficiency, reflectance, and optical light scattering.

Main Results:

• Nanotextured electrodes created by PS NPs in the PEDOT:PSS layer resulted in significant light scattering.
• The roughened interface between the PEDOT:PSS layer and the Ag electrode enhanced light trapping within the active layer.
• Inverted PSCs with randomly nanotextured electrodes (ϕ(NP) = 0.31) exhibited a 15% increase in Jsc and PCE compared to control devices with flat electrodes.

Conclusions:

• Randomly nanotextured back electrodes are a simple and effective strategy for enhancing light absorption and performance in PSCs.
• The incorporation of PS NPs into the anode buffer layer provides a viable method for creating these nanotextured electrodes.
• This approach offers a pathway to higher efficiency PSCs through improved light management.