Optimization of organic photovoltaic device performance via exciton generation profile adjustment

Abstract

We analyzed the conversion performance of conventional organic photovoltaic (OPV) and inverted organic photovoltaic (IOPV) devices with an active layer of polymer, PTB7: PC70BM. We computed the current density–voltage (JV) curves, short-circuit current density (Jsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), maximum current density (Jmax), maximum power density (Pmax), and fill-factor (FF) under various scenarios. We employed the one-dimensional optical transfer matrix theory to calculate the light intensity that was then used as the input at the active layer for optical carrier generation. Then we obtained electrical performance parameters from the JV curves plotted by solving Poisson and charge transport equations. The effects of adjusting the exciton generation profile by tuning the active layer width and optical spacer thickness under 100 mW·cm−2 air mass 1.5 global (AM 1.5G) illumination are also analyzed. In addition, the effect on the conversion performance by using different electron and hole mobility relations in the polymers composing the active layer is computed. To identify the optimal performance, we proposed an exciton generation profile that maintains a constant amplitude when shifted through the active layer. Subsequently, by adjusting the active layer width, optical spacer thickness, and electron and hole mobility, we found that the OPV structure achieved performance characteristics previously reported only for IOPV structures.