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Organic Photovoltaic Cells: Opportunities and Challenges

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Nanomaterials for Innovative Energy Systems and Devices

Part of the book series: Materials Horizons: From Nature to Nanomaterials ((MHFNN))

Abstract

In this chapter, the understanding of OPVs working mechanism and device structures (conventional and inverted) comprising of different types of layers is presented. Subsequently, we detailed the functioning of each layer, in the layer stack of OPVs, and the material characteristics for these layers are discussed. The active layer morphologies are detailed insight, along with their shortcomings and solution to improve them. The improvisation in optical absorption of the active layer by incorporation of plasmonic nanostructures in the different layers is also discussed. Furthermore, the use of nanotechnologies in each layer of the device is highlighted. The different types of loss-mechanism such as charge transfer loss, radiative and non-radiative recombinations are also been discussed in conjunction with the techniques to minimize these losses. Finally, the fabrication techniques, i.e., solution-processing and vacuum-processing, and roll-to-roll manufacturing of the OPVs are explained with their advantages and disadvantages. The chemical and physical degradation mechanisms leading to instabilities are also detailed insight. Along with this, the different encapsulation techniques to improve the stability of the device are elaborated.

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  1. Organic Electronics & Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Applied Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India

    Mukesh P. Singh & Mohd Amir

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    Zishan H. Khan

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Singh, M.P., Amir, M. (2022). Organic Photovoltaic Cells: Opportunities and Challenges. In: Khan, Z.H. (eds) Nanomaterials for Innovative Energy Systems and Devices. Materials Horizons: From Nature to Nanomaterials. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-0553-7_12

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