In this research work, un- and copper
(Cu)-doped tin sulfide (SnS)
nanoparticles (NPs) with various Cu concentrations were synthesized
by the ultrasonic method and added to the active layer of polymer
solar cells with the ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PCBM/Ag–Al configuration.
The structural, optical, and electrical properties related to the
effect of these NPs on cell performance were investigated. X-ray diffraction
of these NPs indicates the formation of orthorhombic polycrystalline
SnS. The field emission scanning electron microscopy image showed
that the un- and Cu-doped SnS NPs were spherical particles with a
size less than 100 nm. Optical analysis of the cells shows that the
optical energy band gap decreases due to the presence of NPs. The
electrical properties of the samples, such as diode coefficient (n), reverse saturation current, turn-on potential (V
t), and mobility (μ), were measured using
the J–V curve at the dark condition. Electrical
characterization of the samples showed that the performance of the
cells was improved by adding SnS NPs to the active layer.