Highly efficient indium tin oxide-free organic photovoltaics using inkjet-printed silver nanoparticle current collecting grids

We report an in-depth investigation of an inkjet-printed silver (Ag) nanoparticle grid combined with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) of different conductivities as an alternative to an indium tin oxide (ITO)-based transparent anode for organic solar cell applications. The reported measurements revealed higher transparency of the inkjet-printed Ag nanoparticle-based grid when compared to different thicknesses of ITO on glass substrates. Based on the proposed current collecting grid, a record power conversion efficiency of 2% is achieved for ITO-free organic solar cells. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4765343]