Simulation and optimization studies of IC60BA based bulk heterojunction organic solar cells

Abstract

Global energy consumption is increasing as the population grows and living standards improve. Unless energy-harvesting technologies are developed and deployed, the world will face a serious energy crisis. Of all physical resources, the solar energy incident to Earth is the most significant resource, and it is imperative to discover ways to convert it into usable forms suitable for the modern requirements of our society . Despite a myriad of photovoltaic technologies that exist, organic solar cells (0SCs) stand out because of unique properties that include the availability of materials, light- weight, mechanical flexibility, low cost, roll-to-roll production, and ease of fabricating into a variety of products. Over the last two decades, OSCs have improved significantly, particularly in bulk heterojunction architectures using polymer donors and fullerene or nonfullerene acceptors. To maintain the smooth operation, export stability, and efficiency of multilayer OSCs, it is essential to select appropriate chargetransport layers. A deeper understanding of the mechanics of fullerene bulk heterojunctions is therefore necessary to drive a rapid further rise in organic photovoltaics in the near future. Device modelling and simulation serve as powerful tools for understanding solar cell operation and optimizing the active layer in combination with the most efficient transport-layer configurations. This thesis, entitled “Simulation and Optimization Studies of [CeoBA Based Bulk Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells,” examines the performance of fullerene-based multilayer organic solar cells incorporating P3HT:ICe0BA as the active layer and a variety of hole and electron transport ‘layers. To achieve the best possible outcome, the solar structure is modeled, and its performance is examined for various hole and electron transport layers. The impact of various material parameters on the output performance of the solar cell is also thoroughly explored, and a new design for a fullerene multilayer organic solar cell is proposed The primary objectives of this study are to use simulation tools to design a highly efficient P3HT:1Cs0BA fullerene- based multilayer organic solar cell with optimally matched transport layers, and to propose novel device architectures that can support future advancements in organic photovoltaics. The careful design of multilayer structures with optimized transport layers holds substantial promise for accelerating the near-term commercialization of grganic photovoltaic technologies.