Plasmonic nano-particles mediated energy harvesting in thin-film organic solar cells

Abstract

A Cd-doped ZnO nano-composite (Cd:ZnO) was synthesized using wet chemistry, and then incorporated into the photo-active layer of a thin film organic solar cell (TFOSC) to assist photon harvesting. The nano-composite (NC) formed different sized nano-structures that are beneficial to optical absorption and charge transport processes in the TFOSC. The effects on the NC were studied using a solar absorber medium composed of a poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and 6-6-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) blend with standard device architecture: ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PCBM/LiF/Al. The electrical and optical properties of the photoactive films were investigated at various doping levels of Cd:ZnO NC in the medium. The composite showed interesting local surface plasmon resonance, which significantly impacted on the performance of the cells. Consequently, the power conversion efficiency of the TFOSC grew by 84% compared to the reference cell. It is also noted that Cd:ZnO is environmentally stable and compatible for solution device processing.

Silver decorated magnesium doped photoactive layer for improved collection of photo‐generated current in polymer solar cell

“…There are two prominent absorption peaks of the films in Figure 4b centered at 430 and 510 nm are expected to be the result of band‐to‐band transitions of silver, and P3HT molecules, respectively. The optical absorbance of NPs doped films from 700 to 900 nm are attributed to the long wavelength scattered waves caused by the presence of Ag:Mg NPs in the medium 31 . Furthermore, the normalized absorption spectra taken films with/without Ag:Mg, displayed in Figure 4b, is clearly dependent on concentration as evidenced by doping levels 0%, 1%, 1.5%, and 3% by weight, respectively.…”

“…The optical absorbance of NPs doped films from 700 to 900 nm are attributed to the long wavelength scattered waves caused by the presence of Ag:Mg NPs in the medium. 31 Furthermore, the normalized absorption spectra taken films with/without Ag:Mg, displayed in Figure 4b, is clearly dependent on concentration as evidenced by doping levels 0%, 1%, 1.5%, and 3% by weight, respectively. Maximum peak intensity is observed at 1.5% concentrations of Ag:Mg NPs in the medium while the intensity reduced as the concentration increases.…”

Reducing Energy Loss in Polymer Solar Cell through Optimization of Novel Metal Nanocomposite

“…The charge transport processes have been investigated using the measured space charge limited current (SCLC) taken under dark conditions. ,, The SCLC data provided in Figure d show the dominant charge transport processes as the result of NP incorporation in the solar cells. The SCLC is a charge transport property, where all defects are filled and current is saturated in the medium.…”

“…Generally, the excitation of local surface plasmon resonance dephases in various forms such as electron to electron transfer, electron to photon (reradiation), and electron to phonon (local heating). The result of such interesting properties of metal plasmonics calls for several applications in the areas of solar energy conversion, sensors, communications, etc. − …”

Plasmonic Effects of Au@Ag Nanoparticles in Buffer and Active Layers of Polymer Solar Cells for Efficiency Enhancement

“…Various attempts have been exercised to improve their PCE that have led to the formation of several mechanisms, such as surface modifications or functionalizations, used to increase the ability of the thin active layer to absorb light through periodic grating structures in electrodes, modifying the structural configuration of the layers, reconstructing the structure of optical devices for improved light distribution, and the inclusion of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs). Among the above strategies, MNPs have garnered broad interests as an effective way to trap light in the active layer, increase the dissociation of excitons, and improve the light absorption without increasing the thickness of the active layer due to their near-field coupling effect or localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ].…”