The application of SnS nanoparticles to bulk heterojunction solar cells

Tin mono-sulphide (SnS) nanoparticles were synthesized by a facile method. Reactions producing narrow size distribution SnS nanoparticles with the diameter of 5.0–10 nm were carried out in an ethylene glycol solution at 150 °C for 24 h. Bulk heterojunction solar cells with the structure of indium tin oxide (ITO)/polyethylenedioxythiophene:polystyrenesulphonate (PEDOT:PSS)/SnS:polymer/Al were fabricated by blending the nanoparticles with a conjugated polymer to form the active layer for the first time. Current density–voltage characterization of the devices showed that due to the addition of SnS nanoparticles to the polymer film, the device performance can be dramatically improved, compared with that of the pristine polymer solar cells.