Abstract:
Disclosed herein are methods for fabricating an organic photovoltaic device comprising depositing an amorphous organic layer and a crystalline organic layer over a first electrode, wherein the amorphous organic layer and the crystalline organic layer contact one another at an interface; annealing the amorphous organic layer and the crystalline organic layer for a time sufficient to induce at least partial crystallinity in the amorphous organic layer; and depositing a second electrode over the amorphous organic layer and the crystalline organic layer. In the methods and devices herein, the amorphous organic layer may comprise at least one material that undergoes inverse-quasi epitaxial (IQE) alignment to a material of the crystalline organic layer as a result of the annealing.
Abstract:
A highly efficient multi junction photovoltaic device, such as a two, three, or four junction device, is disclosed. The multi-junction device may include a first subcell comprising a first photoactive region and a second subcell comprising a second photoactive region. The first and second photoactive regions are designed to minimize spectral overlap and maximize photocurrent across a broad absorption spectra, such as wavelengths ranging from 400 nm to 900 nm. The device may further include an inter-connecting layer, disposed between the first subcell and the second subcell, that is at least substantially transparent. By introducing a transparent interconnecting layer, a dual element (tandem) cell achieves a power conversion efficiency of 10.0±0.5%. By adding an additional (3rd) sub-cell that absorbs at the second order optical interference maximum within the stack. The triple junction cell significantly improves the quantum efficiency at shorter wavelengths, achieving a power conversion efficiency of 11.1±0.5%. Adding additional sub-cells has been shown to increase power conversion efficiency above 12%.
Abstract:
A high efficiency small molecule tandem solar cell is disclosed. The tandem cell may include a first subcell comprising a first photoactive region and a second subcell comprising a second photoactive region. The first and second photoactive regions are designed to minimize spectral overlap and maximize photocurrent. The device may further include an interconnecting layer, disposed between the first subcell and the second subcell, that is at least substantially transparent.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are stable organic photosensitive devices including at least one exciton-blocking charge carrier filter. The filters comprise a mixture of at least one wide energy gap material having a sufficiently high glass transition temperature, e.g., higher than the temperature or temperature range at which the device typically operates, higher than a highest operating temperature of the device, higher than a threshold temperature value, etc. and at least one electron or hole conducting material. As described herein, the novel filters simultaneously block excitons and conduct the desired charge carrier (electrons or holes).
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are organic photosensitive optoelectronic devices comprising at least one hybrid planar-graded heterojunction. In particular, organic photosensitive optoelectronic devices are disclosed having two electrodes (110), (150) in superposed relation, a graded heterojunction layer (130) located between the two electrodes, and at least one photoactive layer (120), (140) adjacent to and interfacing with the graded heterojunction layer.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are organic photosensitive devices including at least one exciton-blocking charge carrier filter. The filters comprise a mixture of at least one wide energy gap material and at least one electron or hole conducting material. As described herein, the novel filters simultaneously block excitons and conduct the desired charge carrier (electrons or holes).
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are organic photosensitive optoelectronic devices comprising two electrodes in superposed relation; a mixed photoactive layer located between the two electrodes, wherein the mixed photoactive layer comprises at least one donor material having a HOMO energy and at least one acceptor material having a LUMO energy, wherein the at least one donor material and the at least one acceptor material form a mixed donor-acceptor heterojunction; a photoactive layer adjacent to and interfacing with the mixed photoactive layer, wherein the photoactive layer comprises a material having a LUMO energy within 0.3 eV of the LUMO energy of the at least one acceptor material or a HOMO energy within 0.3 eV of the HOMO energy of the at least one donor material; and a buffer layer adjacent to and interfacing with the mixed photoactive layer.
Abstract:
There is disclosed squaraine compounds of formula I: wherein each of Y1 and Y2 is independently chosen from an optionally substituted amino group and an optionally substituted aryl group. Also described are organic optoelectronic devices comprising a Donor-Acceptor heterojunction that is formed from one or more of the squaraine compounds. A method of making the disclosed device, which may include one or more sublimation step for depositing said squaraine compound, is also disclosed.