Design of efficient organic tandem cells: On the interplay between molecular absorption and layer sequence

G. Dennler, K. Forberich, T. Ameri, C. Waldauf, P. Denk, C.J. Brabec, K. Hingerl, A.J. Heeger

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We have carried out detailed optical simulations of tandem solar cells based on the following organic semiconductors: poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), poly[2,6-(4,4-bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-4H- cyclopenta[2,1- b; 3,4- b′] dithiophene)-alt-4,7-(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)] (PCPDTBT), 1-(3- methoxycarbonyl) propyl-1-phenyl[6,6] C61 (PC60 BM), and 1-(3-methoxycarbonyl) propyl-1- phenyl[6,6] C71 (PC70 BM). We demonstrate that out of the many possible combinations of the component materials, one specific combination emerges as the best to reduce the spectral overlap of the two bulk heterojunction blends and thereby to ensure an optimized short-circuit current density (Jsc). Furthermore, the calculations allow us to predict the maximum Jsc achievable in tandem cells based on P3HT and PCPDTBT. Finally, we show that the efficient tandem cell realized and described recently by Kim [Science 317, 222 (2007)] ensures balanced absorption in the top and bottoms cells. © 2007 American Institute of Physics.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of applied physics
Volume102
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007

Keywords

  • Absorption
  • Current density
  • Heterojunctions
  • Product design
  • Semiconducting organic compounds
  • Molecular absorption
  • Organic tandem cells
  • Solar cells

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