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Solar cells utilizing small molecular weight organic semiconductors
Author(s) -
Rand Barry P.,
Genoe Jan,
Heremans Paul,
Poortmans Jef
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
progress in photovoltaics: research and applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.286
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1099-159X
pISSN - 1062-7995
DOI - 10.1002/pip.788
Subject(s) - photocurrent , organic solar cell , materials science , optoelectronics , polymer solar cell , heterojunction , photovoltaic system , hybrid solar cell , organic semiconductor , tandem , exciton , engineering physics , nanotechnology , solar cell , electrical engineering , polymer , physics , engineering , quantum mechanics , composite material
In this review, we focus on the field of organic photovoltaic cells based on small molecular weight materials. In particular, we discuss the physical processes that lead to photocurrent generation in organic solar cells, as well as the various architectures employed to optimize device performance. These include the donor–acceptor heterojunction for efficient exciton dissociation, the exciton blocking layer, the mixed or bulk heterojunction, and the stacked or tandem cell. We show how the choice of materials with known energy levels and absorption spectra affect device performance, particularly the open‐circuit voltage and short‐circuit current density. We also discuss the typical materials and growth techniques used to fabricate devices, as well as the issue of device stability, all of which are critical for the commercialization of low‐cost and high‐performance organic solar cells. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.