Device Modeling of Efficient PBDB-T:PZT-Based All-Polymer Solar Cell: Role of Band Alignment.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Device Physics

Background:

• All-polymer solar cells offer a promising avenue for flexible and low-cost renewable energy generation.
• Current device designs face limitations in power conversion efficiency (PCE) and operational stability.
• Optimizing the photoactive layer and charge transport layers is crucial for enhancing performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore design strategies for enhancing the PCE of all-polymer solar cells through device simulation.
• To investigate the impact of alternative hole transport layer (HTL) materials on device performance.
• To address efficiency limitations and potential S-curve phenomena in polymer solar cells.

Main Methods:

• Device simulation using the Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS) software.
• Calibration of simulation models against experimental data for accuracy.
• Systematic investigation of various HTL materials (CuI, P3HT) and a novel double HTL structure.
• Analysis of current density-voltage (J-V) characteristics and band alignment.

Main Results:

• Simulations indicate that replacing PEDOT:PSS with CuI or P3HT as the HTL can increase PCE beyond 20%.
• A minor S-shape was observed in the J-V characteristics with single alternative HTLs, suggesting potential charge transport issues.
• A proposed double HTL structure effectively suppressed the S-curve phenomenon and maintained high PCE.
• The designed solar cell demonstrated good performance under low light intensity, indicating suitability for indoor energy harvesting.

Conclusions:

• Device simulation provides valuable insights for optimizing all-polymer solar cell design.
• Alternative HTL materials and double HTL structures are effective strategies for boosting PCE.
• The developed solar cell design shows potential for efficient indoor energy applications.