Efficiency Enhancement of Polymer Solar Cells with Three-Component Active Layer

The photvoltaic performance of polymer solar cell (PSC) with a three-component active layer was studied. The incorporation of 4-cyano-4’-octylbiphenyl (8CB) as an additive to a P3HT [poly(3-hexylthiophene)]:PC₆₁BM [[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester] blend film led to a higher absorbance, larger crystal size, closer packing of P3HT, and hence enhanced hole mobility. The power conversion efficiency of the PSC with the three-component active layer (P3HT: PC₆₁BM:8CB blend film) was improved by over 30% compared to that of the reference device without 8CB, due to an enhancement in all parameters such as short circuit current, open circuit voltage and fill factor.