Formation and characterization of polymer/fullerene bulk heterojunction solar cells

Polymer/fullerene bulk heterojunction solar cells with poly[3-hexylthiophene] (P3HT), poly [2-methoxy-5-(20-ethylhexoxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV), and 6,6-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) were produced and characterized. A device based on P3HT and PCBM provided better efficiency, fill factor, and short-circuit current compared to those of a device based on MEH-PPV and PCBM. The solar cell with P3HT and PCBM structure showed a higher photoresponse in the range of 400–650 nm. Energy levels of the molecules were calculated and discussed.