A critical review on semitransparent organic solar cells

Abstract

Semitransparent solar cells not only can generate electricity but also exhibit promising application in facades and roofs of building, as well as the coatings of vehicle. Ideal semitransparent solar cells should have a high utilization efficiency of ultraviolet and near infrared photons, and maintain an appropriate balance between absorption and transparency in visible light range. Organic semiconducting materials with adjustable optical band gap own great potential in preparing highly efficient semitransparent organic solar cells (OSCs). There are great challenges in achieving semitransparent electrodes with good conductivity and high transmittance in visible light range, as well as high reflectance in ultraviolet and near infrared range. In this critical review, we summarize the recent progress of semitransparent OSCs, concentrating on organic semiconducting materials, semitransparent top electrode and device engineering. Semitransparent OSCs have attracted more and more attention due to its great potential in energy source in door, electricity-generating windows, building-integrated photovoltaics and agricultural greenhouse. Semitransparent OSCs have attracted more and more attention due to its great potential in electricity-generating windows, building-integrated photovoltaics and agricultural greenhouse. This review comprehensively summarizes recent progresses of organic material, semitransparent top electrode and device engineering, the challenges on achieving semitransparent OSCs are highlighted to promote the development of this field. • Recent development of organic materials with strong ultraviolet or near infrared absorption were summarized. • The key parameters for evaluating the performance of semitransparent OSCs were discussed. • This review comprehensively summarized recent progress of transparent top electrodes. • The light management methods and device designs are firstly comprehensively reported.