Abstract
This paper describes a promising approach toward preparing effective electrical and optical interconnections for tandem organic photovoltaic devices (OPVs). The first subcell featured a semi-transparent electrode, which allowed a portion of the solar irradiation to pass through and to enter the second subcell exhibiting complementary absorption behavior. The resulting multi-junction OPV had multiple contacts such that the subcells could be easily connected either in series or in parallel. More importantly, we used UV-curable epoxy to "mechanically" stack the two subcells and to eliminate the air gap between them, thereby reducing the optical loss induced by mismatches of refractive indices. Therefore, an improved power conversion efficiency of approximately 6.5% has been achieved.
Highlights
Solar energy is by far the most abundant, sustainable and long-term energy resource, in contrast to traditional energy supplies such as coal and fossil fuels
To fabricate the ST device, a solution of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles dissolved in ethylene glycol (EG) was spin-coated onto an indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass substrate and the sample was baked at 150°C for 1 h [24]
We have developed a promising approach for constructing multi-junction organic photovoltaic devices (OPVs) exhibiting complementary absorption behavior
Summary
Solar energy is by far the most abundant, sustainable and long-term energy resource, in contrast to traditional energy supplies such as coal and fossil fuels. Harvesting hot carriers or incorporating intermediate-bands, has been shown to be effective for improving the cell efficiencies Among these techniques, De Vos demonstrated that stacking multiple subcells allows theoretical PCEs to surpass the Shockley–Queisser limit because the electrochemical potential of charge carrier extraction is increased [4]. Shrotriya et al reported an alternative method for fabricating multi-junction devices: they first developed a semitransparent (ST) subcell and superimposed it onto another conventional one with a standard device structure [19]. Such multi-junction device could be connected either in series or in parallel. An improved PCE of approximately 6.5% under illumination at one sun has been achieved
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
