Self-Assembly Monolayer Molecules for the Improvement of the Anodic Interface in Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells

Self-assembly monolayer (SAM) molecules were immobilized onto the surface of indium tin oxide (ITO) for the improvement of organic photovoltaic devices (OPVs). For bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells, several key factors were considered in the choice of molecules for the improvement of the anodic ITO as follows: effects of anchoring groups, dipole moments, and aromatic bulk to photovoltaic properties. In particular, improvements of power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 4.5-4.7 times were observed from unmodified ITO with the use of benzoic acid and 4-cyanobenzoic acid monolayers.