Doping with Niobium Nanoparticles as an Approach to Increase the Power Conversion Efficiency of P3HT:PCBM Polymer Solar Cells

Abstract

Metal additive processing in polymer: fullerene bulk heterojunction systems is recognized as a viable way for improving polymer photovoltage performance. In this study, the effect of niobium (Nb) metal nanoparticles at concentrations of 2, 4, 6, and 8 mg/mL on poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT)-6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) blends was analyzed. The effect of Nb volume concentration on polymer crystallinity, optical properties, and surface structure of P3HT and PCBM, as well as the enhancement of the performance of P3HT:PC61BM solar cells, are investigated. Absorption of the P3HT:PC61BM mix is seen to have a high intensity and a red shift at 500 nm. The reduction in PL intensity with increasing Nb doping concentrations indicates an increase in PL quenching, suggesting that the domain size of P3HT or conjugation length increases. With a high Nb concentration, crystallinity, material composition, surface roughness, and phase separation are enhanced. Nb enhances PCBM’s solubility in P3HT and decreases the size of amorphous P3HT domains. Based on the J–V characteristics and the optoelectronic study of the thin films, the improvement results from a decreased recombination current, changes in morphology and crystallinity, and an increase in the effective exciton lifespan. At high doping concentrations of Nb nanoparticles, the development of the short-circuit current (JSC) is associated with alterations in the crystalline structure of P3HT. The highest-performing glass/ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PCBM:Nb/MoO3/Au structures have short-circuit current densities (JSC) of 16.86 mA/cm2, open-circuit voltages (VOC) of 466 mV, fill factors (FF) of 65.73%, and power conversion efficiency (µ) of 5.16%.

Synergistic CuCoS–PANI materials for binder-free electrodes in asymmetric supercapacitors and oxygen evolution

“…23,24 One intriguing possibility for SC electrode materials is to merge two metal suldes, which exhibits a superior theoretical specic capacity because of the enhancement of mass transport, ion diffusion, and electron transfer. 25,26 Binary metal suldes exhibit richer redox reactions and greater electronic conductivity than their single-component counterparts, leading to improved electrochemical performances. 27,28 Jinxue Guo et al 29 prepared CuS double-shell hollow nanocages from copper nanotubes, which exhibit large specic capacity, good cycling stability, and outstanding rate performance.…”

A bimetallic Fe–Mg MOF with a dual role as an electrode in asymmetric supercapacitors and an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)

“…[5][6][7][8][9] On the other hand, incorporating a transition metal-based electrode into hybrid supercapacitors can lead to certain drawbacks that may affect the cycling stability, an essential characteristic of EDLCs. [10][11][12][13][14] Metal-organic frameworks have attracted substantial attention as electrode materials for energy storage and conversion because of their remarkable exibility to change their structure and excellent porosity. These materials are gaining increasing interest in various energy-related applications.…”