Effect of Ion Beam Assisted Deposition technology on the cathode of solar cells

M Chakaroun,A Saleh,M El-Khatib,F Hage Chehade

doi:10.1051/matecconf/201928103009

Abstract

We realized organic solar cells on ITO anode based on small – molecular materials (CUPC:C60) to be easy to fabricate, cost price, production on large surfaces, efficiency, flexibility and large market of solar panels, but the organic materials are limited by their lifetime. Then, on the ITO we deposited the organic materials by using the vacuum co-evaporation deposition. Cathode is a silver layer to protect the organic layer from the humidity. The penetrations of humidity from the cathode to the organic layer give to organic electronic components a short lifetime, and limit the fabrication of organic solar panels. In order to optimize the lifetime of organic solar cells, we use in this study the IBAD’s technology to deposit the cathode instead of vacuum co-evaporation deposition. The goal of this technology is to reduce the permeation of H2O and O2 from the cathode to the organic layer, by using the argon ions to assist the aluminium deposition of cathode. We realized two series of cells under vacuum and do not exposed to the air. The first, with cathode deposit by the vacuum co-evaporate deposition, but the second we use the IBAD technology to deposit the cathode (60nm unassisted and 40nm deposited with ionic assistance), after we compare their lifetime in the ambient air and under continuous illumination.

Highlights

In global market of solar system and the most widely used inorganic semiconductor, their efficiency is blocked by its mass production
To describe an organic solar cell, including a substrate, an organic layer is inserted between a lower electrode and an upper electrode, in contact with the substrate, and which is able to emit radiation through at least one of the electrodes when current is supplied through the active layer by the chosen electrode
We present characterizations and lifetime measurements of organic solar cells showing the IBAD effects on the cathode, to product the organic layer from the penetration of H2O, O2 or the other elements existing in the air

Summary

Introduction

In global market of solar system and the most widely used inorganic semiconductor (silicon), their efficiency is blocked by its mass production (with high process of energy and cost). The scattering into the organic layer of some elements existing in the air, such as oxygen or water vapour, results in the deterioration of the active layer which limits the lifetime of the organic semiconductor, than the solar cell and the solar panels. This problem is formed by the diffusion. We present characterizations and lifetime measurements of organic solar cells showing the IBAD effects on the cathode, to product the organic layer from the penetration of H2O, O2 or the other elements existing in the air

Realisation of organic solar cells

Configuration of Ion beam assisted deposition

Results and discussion

Conclusion