Increasing optical density of single-layer multi-polymer bulk-heterojunction OPVs using CdSe(ZnS) core(shell) quantum dots

Buddy J. Bump; Grant T. Olson; Richard Savage; Robert S. Echols

doi:10.1117/12.2061955

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6 October 2014 Increasing optical density of single-layer multi-polymer bulk-heterojunction OPVs using CdSe(ZnS) core(shell) quantum dots

Buddy J. Bump, Grant T. Olson, Richard Savage, Robert S. Echols

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Proceedings Volume 9184, Organic Photovoltaics XV; 918425 (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2061955
Event: SPIE Organic Photonics + Electronics, 2014, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Photovoltaic technology has powerful implications from commercial and national security standpoints. Due to the high material cost of silicon solar devices, inexpensive and lightweight polymer based solar is desirable to meet the demand for decentralized electrical power production in traditionally “off-grid” areas. Using a blend of Poly(3-hexylthiophene- 2,5-diyl) (P3HT), Phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), and the low band-gap polymer 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), we have fabricated devices with a wide spectral response and 3% power conversion efficiency in AM 1.5 conditions. Due to low absorptivity in the peak of the solar spectra (500nm), we have blended this previous polymer system with CdSe(ZnS) core (shell) quantum dots to improve absorption, and thus power conversion efficiencies. Devices were prepared with quantum dots having a peak absorbance at 560nm and an emission wavelength of 577nm, with device loading ranging from 0% to 2.7% by weight. The relationship between quantum dot concentration and device performance is discussed, along with the impact of quantum dot concentration on thermal resistance to morphology changes.

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Buddy J. Bump, Grant T. Olson, Richard Savage, and Robert S. Echols "Increasing optical density of single-layer multi-polymer bulk-heterojunction OPVs using CdSe(ZnS) core(shell) quantum dots", Proc. SPIE 9184, Organic Photovoltaics XV, 918425 (6 October 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2061955

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