Organic photovoltaics with thick active layers (∼800 nm) using a high mobility polymer donor

Rather consistent power conversion efficiencies have been achieved in organic solar cells throughout a wide range of active layer thicknesses (∼100 nm to ∼800 nm) by using a p-type polymer semiconductor with high hole transport mobility (∼1 cm2 V−1 s−1) as the donor, and PC61BM as the acceptor. A comparison between standard and inverted device configurations demonstrates that the inverted configuration is more suitable for achieving thicker active layers when a high hole mobility donor is used. We attribute this to the longer hole collection path in the inverted structure, which can benefit from using a high hole mobility material. Our results will be very useful for the development of new semiconductor materials and the design of device structures for more feasible manufacturing of large area OPV devices via high speed roll-to-roll printing processes.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Standard and inverted organic solar cells with thick active layers (∼800 nm) were fabricated. ► A high hole mobility (∼1 cm2 V−1 s−1) polymer semiconductor was used as the donor. ► Inverted devices achieved higher and consistent efficiencies than standard devices.