Improvement of organic solar cell performance by multiple plasmonic excitations using mixed-silver nanoprisms

• Published in: Journal of science. Advanced materials and devices 2021-06, Vol.6 (2), p.264-270
• Main Authors: Phengdaam, Apichat, Nootchanat, Supeera, Ishikawa, Ryousuke, Lertvachirapaiboon, Chutiparn, Shinbo, Kazunari, Kato, Keizo, Ekgasit, Sanong, Baba, Akira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD); Localized surface plasmon (LSPR); Multiple plasmonic excitations; Organic solar cells (OSCs); Silver nanoprisms (AgNPrs)
• ISSN: 2468-2179; 2468-2179
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsamd.2021.02.007

Three different silver nanoprisms (AgNPrs) were combined and used as light-trapping materials in organic solar cells (OSCs). These mixed AgNPrs (M-AgNPrs) increased the photocarrier generation in the OSCs due to the broadband absorption, which was attributed to mutual multiple plasmonic excitations covering the entire visible light region. The M-AgNPrs were incorporated into a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) hole-transport layer in the OSCs. The UV–vis spectra, atomic force microscope images and current density versus voltage curves of the fabricated devices were recorded at different loading concentrations of the M-AgNPrs. Finite-difference time-domain simulation, impedance spectroscopy, and measurement of incident photon-to-current efficiency of the devices confirmed the effect of the multiple plasmonic excitations. The results suggest that, in an optimum condition, the efficiency of the OSCs loaded with M-AgNPrs was 7.9% higher than the reference OSC.