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Solution-processed copper-nickel nanowire anodes for organic solar cells
Ian E Stewart1, Aaron R Rathmell, Liang Yan
1Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Box 90354, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA. benjamin.wiley@duke.edu.
Nanoscale
|April 30, 2014
Summary
Researchers developed solution-processed copper-nickel nanowire films for organic solar cell anodes. This method enhances conductivity and oxidation resistance, achieving 4.9% cell efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Organic solar cells (OSCs) require efficient and cost-effective anode materials.
- Traditional anode fabrication methods can be complex and expensive.
- Copper nanowires offer potential but suffer from oxidation and high contact resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a scalable, solution-phase process for fabricating copper-nickel nanowire anodes for OSCs.
- To improve the conductivity and oxidation resistance of copper nanowire films.
- To evaluate the performance of these novel anodes in OSC devices.
Main Methods:
- Solution-phase coating of copper nanowire films on glass substrates.
- Surface treatment with acetic acid to reduce contact resistance.
- Electroless nickel plating to enhance oxidation resistance.
- Fabrication and testing of organic solar cells using the developed anodes.
Main Results:
- Acetic acid treatment significantly reduced contact resistance, comparable to hydrogen annealing.
- Nickel plating rendered copper nanowire films highly resistant to oxidation under various conditions.
- Organic solar cells with copper-nickel nanowire anodes achieved power conversion efficiencies of 4.9%.
Conclusions:
- Solution-processed copper-nickel nanowire films are a viable alternative anode material for OSCs.
- The developed fabrication process offers a cost-effective and scalable approach.
- Further optimization may lead to even higher efficiencies in organic solar cell devices.
