All-water-solution processed solar cells based on PPV and TiO2 nanocrystals

In this work, we present an all-water-solution processed polymer/nanocrystals (NCs) hybrid solar cell (HSC) with bulk heterojunction (BHJ) architecture with donor material poly(phenylene vinylene) (PPV) and acceptor material anatase TiO2 NCs. After spin-coating a water solution containing PPV precursor and TiO2 NCs, the active layer is achieved after a simple annealing process. The influences of PPV:TiO2 and their morphology on the photovoltaic performance of HSCs were investigated. By changing the ratio of PPV to TiO2, the morphology of the active layer can be controlled and the photovoltaic performance of polymer/NCs hybrid solar can be improved. The hybrid solar cells with a PPV:TiO2 blend ratio 1:3 present the best performance with the PCE of 0.11%. This work provides an alternative way to fabricate environmentally friendly, low cost, and high throughout polymer solar cells by using water as the processing solvent.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► An all-water-solution processed bulk heterojunction hybrid solar cell was fabricated.
► Active layer of PPV:TiO2 is achieved after a simple annealing process.
► Morphology of the active layer can be controlled by changing the ratio of PPV:TiO2.
► Device with a PPV:TiO2 blend ratio 1:3 presents the best PCE of 0.11%.