Fabrication and characterization of fullerene/porphyrin bulk heterojunction solar cells

Fullerene/porphyrin bulk heterojunction solar cells were fabricated and, the electronic and optical properties were investigated. Effects of exciton-diffusion blocking layer of perylene derivative on the solar cells between active layer and metal layer were also investigated. Optimized structures with the exciton-diffusion blocking layer improved conversion efficiencies. Energy levels of the molecules were calculated and discussed. Nanostructures of the solar cells were investigated by X-ray and electron diffraction, which indicated formation of fullerene/porphyrin mixed crystals. Electronic structures of the molecules were investigated by molecular orbital calculation, and energy levels of the solar cells were discussed. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.