Semitransparent inverted polymer solar cells using MoO3/Ag/V2O5 as transparent anodes

We demonstrate semitransparent inverted polymer solar cells with highly transparent anodes. The structure of the anode is molybdenum trioxide (MoO3)/silver (Ag)/vanadium pentoxide (V2O5). The inner MoO3 layer is introduced as a buffer layer to improve holes collection, while the outer V2O5 layer served as a light coupling layer to enhance optical transmittance of the photovoltaic device. The maximum transmittance of 90% from 400 nm to 700 nm is obtained when the thickness of V2O5 is 40 nm. When the thickness of V2O5 is 40 nm, under AM1.5G illumination of 100 mW/cm2 illuminated from ITO side (bottom), the Jsc is 5.01 mA/cm2, the Voc is 0.591 V, the FF is 61.8%, and the PCE is 1.83%; from MoO3/Ag/V2O5 side (top), the Jsc is 4.28 mA/cm2, the Voc is 0.585 V, the FF is 61.9%, and the PCE is 1.55%. The trend of the optical electric field distribution is highly consistent with the Jsc, which is dependent on the thickness of the V2O5 top capping layer.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Inner V2O5 was introduced as a buffer layer to improve holes collection. ► Outer V2O5 layer served as a light coupling layer to enhance optical transmittance. ► High transmission of 90% was achieved with a 40 nm outer V2O5 layer. ► Trend of the optical electric field distribution is consistent with Jsc, which is dependent on the thickness of V2O5.