Enhanced efficiency of organic photovoltaic cells using solution-processed metal oxide as an anode buffer layer

We report performance improvement of organic (P3HT:PCBM) photovoltaic cell by introducing a solution-based WOx anode buffer layer, between the PH500 conducting polymer and the active layer. By introducing a solution-based WOx on PH500, the cell efficiency increases by 13% compared to that of the organic photovoltaic cell with only PH500. The organic cell exhibits JSC of 12.31 mA/cm2, VOC of 0.61 V, FF of 58.22%, and the power conversion efficiency of 4.35%. The improved cell performance is due to effective hole collection injected from electron donors (P3HT) in P3HT:PCBM active layer by forming WOx nanoparticle on the conducting anode.

Graphical AbstractEnergy band diagram and J-V characteristics of device with PH500/WOx as an anode buffer layer.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► We incorporated the WOx as an anode buffer layer using solution process.
► JSC increases when the WOx layer is between active layer and PH500, a conducting polymer.
► The cell with a WOx buffer layer exhibits the JSC of 12.31 mA/cm2, VOC of 0.61 V, FF of 58.22%, and the power conversion efficiency of 4.35%.
► The improved cell performance is due to the effective hole collection injected from P3HT in active layer by forming WOx nanoparticle on the conducting anode.