Efficient inverted organic solar cells with a thin natural biomaterial l-Arginine as electron transport layer

• Published in: Solar energy 2020-01, Vol.196, p.168-176
• Main Authors: Li, Jianfeng, Wang, Ningning, Wang, Yufei, Liang, Zezhou, Peng, Yichun, Yang, Chunyan, Bao, Xichang, Xia, Yangjun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Arginine; Biomaterials; Biomedical materials; Circuits; Electron transfer layer; Electron transport; Energy conversion efficiency; Interfacial dipoles; l-Arginine; Molybdenum oxides; Molybdenum trioxide; Open circuit voltage; Organic chemistry; Organic solar cells; Photovoltaic cells; Photovoltaics; Service life assessment; Short circuit currents; Solar cells; Solar energy; Stability; Work functions; Zinc oxide
• ISSN: 0038-092X; 1471-1257
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2019.11.101

[Display omitted] •A natural biomaterial l-Arginine has been successfully exploited in inverted OSCs as electron transfer layer.•l-Arginine can be processed by eco-friendly and inexpensive water solution.•l-Arginine can reduce cathode work function and efficiently extract electrons. Proper interfacial modification is a necessary condition for high-performance organic solar cells (OSCs). In this work, l-Arginine (l-Arg) with the advantages of low price, friendly environment and widespread existence in natural was successfully introduced into inverted OSCs as electron transport layer (ETL). Compared to the devices without ETL (bare ITO), the open circuit voltage (VOC), short circuit current density (JSC) and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the ITO/l-Arg /PTB7-Th:PC71BM/MoO3/Ag device was increased to 0.77 V, 17.25 mA·cm−2 and 9.00% from 0.36 V, 14.99 mA·cm−2, 1.90%, respectively. What’s more, the photovoltaic performance of the device with ZnO/l-Arg double ETL was further improved (PCE (9.31%)). The excellent PCE resulting from the improved work function and the increased interface conductivity, and thus more effective carrier extraction and collection. Furthermore, the lifetime of the device with ZnO/l-Arg double ETL was significantly increased in comparison with that of with pure ZnO ETL. The results indicated that double ETL formed by the introduction of l-Arg, which provides an efficient, low-cost, green and healthy method for the preparation of high-performance OSCs.