Fabrication and Optimization of P3HT:PCBM Organic Photovoltaic Devices

We explore the optimization of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices based on a thin-film blend of the polymer poly(3-hexyl thiophene) [P3HT] and the fullerene derivative [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester [PCBM]. In particular, we address the preparation of the PEDOT:PSS device anode, the composition, thickness and thermal treatment of the active semiconductor layer along with the effect of presence of self-assembled P3HT nanofibres. We also investigate the use of materials such as glycerol and oleic acid dispersed into the PEDOT:PSS and P3HT/PCBM layers respectively to improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the device. Our optimization protocol results in the creation of OPV devices having power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of up to 4.5%.