Rapid processing for organic photovoltaic devices

Simplified rapid drying and sintering methods, utilizing far-infrared and microwave radiation, for the fabrication of inverted type organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices have been studied in order to reduce processing time. OPV devices using different metal oxides for the electron extraction layer were also studied. In this study, microwaves were used to sinter ZnO and far-infrared radiation was used to anneal the work function regulator layer, active layer, hole extraction layer and metal electrode. A new post-annealing process using lower-powered microwaves was also performed and found to enhance the power conversion efficiency. This rapid method reduces processing time by up to 50% compared to conventional thermal methods without any reduction in device performance.[graphic not available: see fulltext]