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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
09:19
In Situ Monitoring of the Accelerated Performance Degradation of Solar Cells and Modules: A Case Study for CuIn,GaSe2 Solar Cells
Published on: October 3, 2018
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Spectroscopic and Microscopic Analysis of Degradation Pathways in PTQ10:IDIC Solar Cells
Saqib Rafique1, Shahino Mah Abdullah2, James McGettrick1
1Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Bay Campus, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK.
Polymers
|February 27, 2026
Summary
Ambient degradation significantly reduces organic solar cell efficiency by altering surface chemistry, not bulk properties. Strategies like interfacial engineering and encapsulation are key for enhancing the stability of PTQ10:IDIC bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells (BHJ-OSCs).
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Organic Electronics
- Photovoltaics
Background:
- Organic solar cells (OSCs) offer potential for low-cost, flexible energy generation.
- Understanding degradation mechanisms is crucial for improving the long-term stability and commercial viability of OSCs.
- PTQ10:IDIC BHJ-OSCs are a promising class of materials for solar energy conversion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively investigate the degradation pathways of PTQ10:IDIC BHJ-OSCs under ambient conditions over 500 hours.
- To correlate changes in material properties with device performance decline.
- To identify key factors influencing the long-term stability of these organic solar cells.
Main Methods:
- Device-level performance testing (power conversion efficiency, Jsc, Voc).
- Surface morphology analysis using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
- Bulk optical property assessment via UV-vis absorption spectroscopy.
- Surface chemical composition analysis using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).
- Electronic property evaluation using Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy (UPS).
Main Results:
- Power conversion efficiency decreased by approximately 19% (from 9.51% to 7.69%), driven by a drop in short-circuit current density.
- Surface morphology showed smoothing (RMS roughness decreased from 4.29 to 3.45 nm), while bulk light absorption remained stable.
- Significant surface compositional changes were observed, including decreased oxygen and increased fluorine content, suggesting surface segregation.
- A reduction in surface work function (0.48 eV) indicated modifications in surface dipoles and near-surface electronic structure.
Conclusions:
- Ambient ageing primarily affects the interfacial chemistry and morphology of PTQ10:IDIC BHJ-OSCs, rather than their bulk optoelectronic properties.
- Surface compositional evolution and electronic reorganization are key degradation factors.
- Interfacial engineering and robust encapsulation strategies are essential for enhancing the operational lifetime of organic solar cells.
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