Graphene quantum dots-incorporated cathode buffer for improvement of inverted polymer solar cells

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are an emerging class of nanomaterials with unique photonic and electric properties. In this study, GQDs were prepared by a facile, inexpensive and high-yield hydrothermal method and were further used as a cathode buffer additive for inverted polymer solar cells due to a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Solar energy materials and solar cells 2013-10, Vol.117, p.214-218
Main Authors: Bin Yang, Hong, Qian Dong, Yong, Wang, Xizu, Yun Khoo, Si, Liu, Bin, Ming Li, Chang
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Buffers
Carbonates
Cathodes
Cesium carbonate
Charge recombination
Devices
Energy
Exact sciences and technology
Exciton dissociation
Graphene
Indium tin oxide
Natural energy
Organic solar cells
Photovoltaic cells
Photovoltaic conversion
Quantum dots
Qunatum dots
Solar cells
Solar cells. Photoelectrochemical cells
Solar energy
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Summary:Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are an emerging class of nanomaterials with unique photonic and electric properties. In this study, GQDs were prepared by a facile, inexpensive and high-yield hydrothermal method and were further used as a cathode buffer additive for inverted polymer solar cells due to a wide band gap (~3.3eV) and well-matched energy level between GQDs–cesium carbonate (GQDs–Cs2CO3) modified indium tin oxide (3.8eV) and high occupied molecular orbit of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (3.7eV). In comparison to inverted polymer solar cells using cesium carbonate (Cs2CO3) buffer layer, the power conversion efficiency of GQDs–Cs2CO3 based device showed 22% enhancement from 2.59% to 3.17% as a result of enhanced exciton dissociation and suppressed free charge recombination at cathode/polymer active layer interface by GQDs. This work provides a new application of GQDs in organic electronic devices. •The application of Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) in PSCs was investigated.· GQDs additive enhanced the exciton dissociation and suppressed charge recombination.· The PCE of GQDs-Cs2CO3 based device showed 22 % enhancement from 2.59% to 3.17%.· This work provides a new application of GQDs in organic electronic devices.
ISSN:0927-0248
1879-3398
DOI:10.1016/j.solmat.2013.05.060