Hybrid Solar Cells from P3HT and Silicon Nanocrystals

Liu, Chin-Yi; Holman, Zachary C.; Kortshagen, Uwe R.

doi:10.1021/nl8034338

Cited by 388 publications

(306 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…139 Other nanocrystals were also used to fabricate hybrid devices, for example silicon nanocrystals, CdS, ZnO, GaAs, and PbS. [140][141][142][143][144][145] Conjugated polymers other than P3HT were used to enhance the absorption. For example, the low band gap polymer PCPDTBT:CdSe tetrapods blends generated a power conversion efficiency of $3.2% [ Fig.…”

Section: Polymer-inorganic Hybrid Solar Cellsmentioning

confidence: 99%

On the morphology of polymer‐based photovoltaics

Liu

Jung

et al. 2012

J Polym Sci B Polym Phys

308

248

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We review the morphologies of polymer-based solar cells and the parameters that govern the evolution of the morphologies and describe different approaches to achieve the optimum morphology for a BHJ OPV. While there are some distinct differences, there are also some commonalities. It is evident that morphology and the control of the morphology are important for device performance and, by controlling the thermodynamics, in particular, the interactions of the components, and by controlling kinetic parameters, like the rate of solvent evaporation, crystallization and phase separation, optimized morphologies for a given system can be achieved. While much research has focused on P3HT, it is evident that a clearer understanding of the morphology and the evolution of the morphology in low bad gap polymer systems will increase the efficiency further. While current OPVs are on the verge of breaking the 10% barrier, manipulating and controlling the morphology will still be key for device optimization and, equally important, for the fabrication of these devices in an industrial setting.

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Section: Polymer-inorganic Hybrid Solar Cellsmentioning

confidence: 99%

On the morphology of polymer‐based photovoltaics

Liu

Jung

et al. 2012

J Polym Sci B Polym Phys

308

248

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show abstract

“…However, power conversion efficiencies of 1% have been shown recently with the first P3HT:Si-ncs blends. 8 Combined with an optimized charge transport and extraction at the electrodes, their efficiency is expected to increase.…”

Section: Conclusion and Implications For Hybrid And Organic Photovolmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…9 Prototype devices exhibited a relatively high open-circuit voltage of 0.75 V, 10 and power conversion efficiencies of around 1% have been achieved. 8 However, no detailed spectroscopic understanding has been available so far. Because of its current availability in crystalline, nanocrystalline, and amorphous forms, silicon serves as a model system with fundamental implications for various other hybrid or organic material systems.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Role of Structural Order and Excess Energy on Ultrafast Free Charge Generation in Hybrid Polythiophene/Si Photovoltaics Probed in Real Time by Near-Infrared Broadband Transient Absorption

et al. 2011

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Despite the central role of light absorption and the subsequent generation of free charge carriers in organic and hybrid organicÀinorganic photovoltaics, the precise process of this initial photoconversion is still debated. We employ a novel broadband (UVÀVisÀNIR) transient absorption spectroscopy setup to probe charge generation and recombination in the thin films of the recently suggested hybrid material combination poly(3-hexylthiophene)/silicon (P3HT/Si) with 40 fs time resolution. Our approach allows for monitoring the time evolution of the relevant transient species under various excitation intensities and excitation wavelengths. Both in regioregular (RR) and regiorandom (RRa) P3HT, we observe an instant (<40 fs) creation of singlet excitons, which subsequently dissociate to form polarons in 140 fs. The quantum yield of polaron formation through dissociation of delocalized excitons is significantly enhanced by adding Si as an electron acceptor, revealing ultrafast electron transfer from P3HT to Si. P3HT/Si films with aggregated RR-P3HT are found to provide free charge carriers in planar as well as in bulk heterojunctions, and losses are due to nongeminate recombination. In contrast for RRa-P3HT/Si, geminate recombination of bound carriers is observed as the dominant loss mechanism. Site-selective excitation by variation of pump wavelength uncovers an energy transfer from P3HT coils to aggregates with a 1/e transfer time of 3 ps and reveals a factor of 2 more efficient polaron formation using aggregated RR-P3HT compared to disordered RRa-P3HT. Therefore, we find that polymer structural order rather than excess energy is the key criterion for free charge generation in hybrid P3HT/Si solar cells.

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mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It has been demonstrated that it can be also efficiently used for bulk-heterojunction formation when blended with conjugated polymers [17,18]. Natural micro/nano phase-separation between the polymer and the solid state Si-nc get the morphology/structure to obtain photogenerated carrier separation [17,18]. In addition, it is expected that Si-ncs with quantum confinement size effect may provide a significant boost in carrier generation efficiency from a phenomenon so called carrier multiplication [19][20][21][22].…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Colloidal Silicon Nanocrystallites for Low-cost Solar Cell Development

vrÄek

2010

Nano-Micro Lett

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In this letter a formation of solution based of bulk-heterojunction based on freestanding silicon nanocrystals (Si-ncs) and conjugated ((poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) polymer is demonstrated. Surfactant free Si-ncs prepared by low-cost electrochemical etching are applied for fabrication of bulk-heterojunction and photo-conductive blends. We show that the optimum blend performance is at 40 wt% nanocrystallites concentration within the P3HT polymer matrix. Furthermore, we illustrate that solar cell transport properties can be improved by nanosecond laser fragmentation of the nanocrystallites micrograins in ethanol. It argues that the Si-ncs/polymer blend with refine nanocrystaline structure may impact the development of low-cost solar cells by environmental-friendly mean.

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Hybrid Solar Cells from P3HT and Silicon Nanocrystals

Cited by 388 publications

References 12 publications

On the morphology of polymer‐based photovoltaics

On the morphology of polymer‐based photovoltaics

Role of Structural Order and Excess Energy on Ultrafast Free Charge Generation in Hybrid Polythiophene/Si Photovoltaics Probed in Real Time by Near-Infrared Broadband Transient Absorption

Colloidal Silicon Nanocrystallites for Low-cost Solar Cell Development

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