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Organic Solar Cells and Their Nanostructural Improvement

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Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Through Nanotechnology

Part of the book series: Green Energy and Technology ((GREEN))

Abstract

Organic solar cells comprised of organic semiconductors have attracted considerable attention in the areas of photonics and electronics during the last decade. Organic semiconductors are a less expensive alternative to inorganic semiconductors. Organic molecules and conjugated polymers as organic semiconductors can be processed by simple techniques that are not available to crystalline inorganic semiconductors. The flexibility in the synthesis of organic molecules allows for the alteration of molecular weight, band gap, energy levels, and structural order, which makes organic semiconductors unique. The conversion of sunlight to electricity by organic solar cells is very interesting and promising since organic solar cells offer the possibility of fabricating large area, light-weight, cost-effective, flexible devices using simple and environmental friendly techniques. Also, organic solar cells can be integrated into wide variety of structures and products in ways not possible for conventional solar cells. As a clean renewable energy source organic solar cells are rapidly developing. A power conversion efficiency over 6% was reported recently. However, this value must be improved to compete with conventional solar cells. On the other hand, there is a considerable progress in the evolution of organic solar cells from pure scientific research to a possible industrial application. Recent efforts are devoted to the investigation of operating mechanisms, new synthesis routes, new device architectures, stability of the organic materials, lifetime, encapsulation, etc. If comparable or even slightly lower efficiencies than those of conventional technologies can be achieved, the cost-effectiveness and versatility of organic compounds will make organic solar cells more favorable. In this chapter, an overview on principles of operation, critical parameters, nanomorphology, charge transport and mobility, stability, possible routes for improvement, and the recent status and future aspects of organic solar cells will be discussed.

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  1. Faculty of Arts and Science, Department of Physics, Davutpasa Campus, Yildiz Technical University, 34210, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey

    Serap Günes

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    Ling Zang

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Günes, S. (2011). Organic Solar Cells and Their Nanostructural Improvement. In: Zang, L. (eds) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Through Nanotechnology. Green Energy and Technology. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-638-2_4

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