Precise Characterization of Performance Metrics of Organic Solar Cells

Abstract

Organic/carbon‐based semiconductors and organometal halide perovskites such as CH3NH3PbIxCl3−x have been extensively pursued as potential active materials for cost‐effective, solution‐processable, and high‐performance photovoltaic devices. Many research groups and researchers with different backgrounds are currently involved in this field, and the record power conversion efficiencies have increased dramatically in recent years. Accurately determining the figure of merit is essential to compare the absolute results and practical applications of these photovoltaic materials. Herein, the critical factors affecting the efficiency determination and some specific examples of solar cells employing representative organic photovoltaic materials with different bandgaps are summarized. Moreover, general methods and checklists for the efficiency determination of organic (tandem) solar cells and perovskite solar cells are presented. Future prospects in efficiency characterizations of the emerging solar cells are also discussed to aid researchers in developing a best practice.

Emerging Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy for Metal Halide Perovskite Materials and Solar Cells

“…A variety of techniques such as I – V curve measurement, photoluminescence analysis, galvanostatic characterization, and grazing incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering measurement, have been conducted to probe the photoelectric properties of perovskite . Among them, C‐AFM demonstrates the main superiorities of high spatial resolution on microscopic scale .…”

“…A variety of techniques such as I-V curve measurement, photoluminescence analysis, galvanostatic characterization, and grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering measurement, have been conducted to probe the photoelectric properties of perovskite. [26][27][28][29][30] Among them, C-AFM demonstrates the main superiorities of high spatial resolution on microscopic scale. [31] C-AFM is a secondary imaging mode that can accurately sense and map current in a large range from 1 pA to 10 mA with simultaneous topographic information collection, which directly correlated the electrical properties with peculiar surface morphology.…”

Organic Photovoltaic Cells for Indoor Applications: Opportunities and Challenges

“…The basic property to OPV cells for indoor and outdoor applications is that they convert light power into electrical power. Figure a shows the typical test process of device performance . (1) Light source irradiates photons on devices; (2) Device converts photons into electrons; (3) J–V characteristics were recorded.…”

Revealing the Potential Crystal Structures of Earth-Abundant Nontoxic Photovoltaic CuBiI4

“…Many ternary and multiple metal halides have excellent optical and electronic properties, such as suitable band gap (1.2–2.3 eV), broadband absorption, low electron–hole recombination rate, and long carrier diffusion length. They are potential photoelectric absorption materials and have attracted great interest. − Among them, studies on traditional Pb-based metal halides made great progress in photoelectric fields. − The photoelectric conversion efficiency of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 reached 25.2%, almost the same as that of monocrystalline silicon solar cells (27.6%) . Unfortunately, Pb is toxic, which prompts further research for metal halides with Pb being replaced, − and particular efforts are made for Bi-based metal halides. − …”