Printable luminescent down shifter for enhancing efficiency and stability of organic photovoltaics

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  • J.P. Kettle
  • N.D. Bristow
  • J. Kettle
  • N. Bristow
  • D.T. Gethin
  • Z. Tehrani
  • O. Moudam
  • B. Li
  • E.A. Katz
  • G.A. dos Reis Benatto
  • F.C. Krebs
The proof of concept of using luminescent down shifting (LDS) layers as alternative UV filters for P3HT:PCBM OPVs is demonstrated using a lanthanide-based metal complex. The results are verified using a combination of indoor light soaking, with single cell devices, and outdoor performance monitoring, using a 16-cell monolithically connected OPV module. By applying the LDS layer, a ~5% relative enhancement in photocurrent is observed for both sets of devices. More significantly, indoor light soaking tests on single cell devices without encapsulation showed an 850% enhancement in the measured half-life (T50%). The OPV modules were encapsulated and tested for outdoor stability over a 70 day period in the Negev desert, Israel. The modules made with the LDS filter are shown to match the stability of those made with a commercial UV filter and outperform the modules with no filter applied, with a 51% enhancement in the measured stability (T75%). Significantly, the work provides clear experimental evidence that the LDS layer can act as a UV filter in OPVs without compromising the efficiency of the solar cell, thus providing an added benefit over commercial UV filters.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)481-487
JournalSolar Energy Materials and Solar Cells
Volume144
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Oct 2015

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