Organic photovoltaic cells based on self-assembly fabrication of vertically aligned CuPc nanorods upon fullerene particles

We demonstrate the self-assembled growth of vertically aligned Copper Phthalocyanine (CuPc) nanorods which are directly evaporated on fullerene (C60) islands. UV–Vis spectroscopy of CuPc nanorods, compared to planar CuPc, shows an improvement in light absorption within the visible range. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrates the presence of well-arranged vertically aligned CuPc nanorods suggesting an increase in the donor–acceptor interface. X-ray diffraction (XRD) reveals the crystalline nature of these nanorods. Different organic photovoltaic cells have been fabricated using these nanorods. High current density achieved with the cell arrangement of CuPc/CuPc-nanorods/C60 in comparison to regular planar CuPc/C60 device. The power conversion efficiency is also doubled compared to the planar one.

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► Fullerene particles were successfully used to grow vertically aligned CuPc nanorods.
► Fullerene particles reduce the probability of localized shorts in the photovoltaic cells.
► X-ray diffraction (XRD) reveals the crystalline nature of fullerene-based nanorods.
► These nanorods were successfully applied to the organic photovoltaic cells.
► Considerable improvement in power conversion efficiency of photovoltaic cells was observed by using these nanorods.