Photoelectrochemical solar energy conversion based on blend of poly(3-hexylthiophene) and fullerene

A solid-state photoelectrochemical solar energy conversion device based on blend of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and fullerene (C60) has been constructed and characterized. The photoelectrochemical performance parameters of the device were compared with pure P3HT solid-state photoelectrochemical cell. The current–voltage characteristics in the dark and under white light illumination and photocurrent spectra for front- and backside illuminations have been studied. The following device parameters were obtained: an open-circuit voltage of 97.8 mV and a short-circuit current of 7.28 μA/cm2 at light intensity of 100 mW/cm2; IPCE% of 0.43% for front side illumination (ITO/PEDOT) and IPCE% of 0.01% for backside illumination (ITO/P3HT:C60). The dependence of the short-circuit current and an open-circuit voltage on the light intensity and time have also been studied.