Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 2012-03-14

Enhancing the device performance of Sb2S3-sensitized heterojunction solar cells by embedding Au nanoparticles in the hole-conducting polymer layer.

Choong-Sun Lim, Sang Hyuk Im, Hi-jung Kim, Jeong Ah Chang, Yong Hui Lee, Sang Il Seok

Index: Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 14(10) , 3622-6, (2012)

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Abstract

Performance of Sb(2)S(3)-sensitized heterojunction solar cells is enhanced by embedding Au nanoparticles in the poly-3-hexylthiophene (P3HT) hole-conducting polymer layer. The improved charge transfer/transport at the Sb(2)S(3)/P3HT/Au interface by extended interface area of the P3HT/Au counter electrode and the re-absorption of the backscattering light from the embedded Au nanoparticles enhanced the device performance: J(sc) 11.0 to 12.8 mA cm(-2), V(oc) 606 to 626 mV, fill factor (FF) 60.5 to 61.2%, and power conversion efficiency (η) 4.0 to 4.9%. Simultaneous enhancement of V(oc), J(sc), and FF in Au nanoparticle-embedded systems is mainly attributed to the improved charge collection efficiency and light harvesting efficiency of Sb(2)S(3) due to the improved charge transfer/transport in the Sb(2)S(3)/P3HT/Au interface.