Performance of polymer solar cells fabricated by dip coating process

We demonstrate the use of dip coating technology as a fabrication tool for highly efficient polymer solar cells. We investigate the critical parameters for dip coating deposition of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) to obtain optimized active layers. These parameters include the selection of organic solvent, solution concentration and room temperature. Structure and morphology of dip coated films are characterized via X-ray diffraction, UV–visible absorption spectra and atomic force microscopy.We achieve dip coated devices with power conversion efficiency of 3.93%, with fill factor, short circuit current and open circuit voltage of 0.63, 10.62 mA cm−2 and 0.60 V, respectively, even though the devices were fabricated in air without any annealing treatment.

► Critical parameters for dip coating deposition of P3HT and PCBM were optimized.
► Dip coated films are characterized via XRD, UV–vis absorption spectra and AFM.
► The dip coated device performance was comparable with that of the spin coated devices.
► The dip coating compatible with roll-to-roll processing may be available in wide areas.