In-depth analysis on PTB7 based semi-transparent solar cell employing MoO3/Ag/WO3 contact for advanced optical performance and light utilization

Abstract

Novel semi-transparent organic solar cells (ST-OSC) can be designed with high average visible transmittance (AVT) while at the same time exhibiting superior photovoltaic performance. This reach requires their design to be based not only on conventional window applications but also on functional industrial applications that require exceptional optical performance. In ST-OSC, high AVT can be achieved by photonic-based dielectric/metal/dielectric (DMD) transparent contact engineering. Functional optical modification can also be made with a fine-tuned design of DMD that includes a light management engineering-based approach. Thus, ST-OSCs can be suitable for aesthetic, colourful and decorative industrial windows that provide natural lighting. In this study, we determined optimal ST-OSCs based on a novel PTB7:PC71BM polymer blend with MoO3/Ag/WO3 asymmetric DMD top contact by examining extraordinary optical properties such as AVT, colour rendering index, correlated colour temperature and colour perception over 10 thousand designs. In addition to determining the optimality and extraordinary optical limits for PTB7, we also evaluated the photon-harvesting and photovoltaic performance of ST-OSCs from external quantum efficiency and quantum utilization efficiency. In optimal situations, ST-OSCs offering 48.75% AVT, 99.08 CRI, and sky-blue colours were designed and determined to generate short-circuit current densities of 9.88 mA·cm−2, 13.64 mA·cm−2, and 13.06 mA·cm−2, respectively.

Fullerene-Based Heterojunctions for Non-Selective Absorption Transparent Solar Cells

“…Five commonly used hole transfer materials (HTMs) in organic photovoltaics are employed as p-type semiconductors to form C 60 -based heterojunctions (Figure a,b). All energy level values are sourced from the literature. − In addition to PEDOT:PSS, four other materials can form type-II heterojunctions with C 60 to promote the effective separation of electrons and holes in space. The absorption peaks of these heterojunction films are comparable to those of the corresponding C 60 films, indicating that C 60 plays the primary role in light absorption.…”

Optimization Light Utilization Efficiency of Semitransparent Organic Solar Cells by Regulating Absorption Spectrum

“…To address this issue, researchers have dedicated considerable efforts to synthesize new materials with strong absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) and weak absorption in the visible light − and also explored the use of transparent electrodes with good conductivity and transmittance, such as Ag nanowires . Furthermore, researchers have investigated the introduction of optical microcavities or dielectric/metal/dielectric (D/M/D) to achieve enhanced reflection or transmittance in specific wavelength regions. − However, the high cost and complexity of these ways are not conducive to commercialization. In ST-OSCs, the composition of the active layer plays a crucial role in device optoelectronic performance.…”