Nanocrystal V2O5 thin film as hole-extraction layer in normal architecture organic solar cells

Nanocrystal V2O5 dispersion processed thin films are introduced as efficient hole extraction interlayer in normal architecture P3HT:PCBM solar cells. Both thin and rather thick interlayers are studied and demonstrated to work properly in organic photovoltaic. Nanocrystal V2O5V2O5 layers effectively block electrons and effectively extract holes at the ITO anode. Very constant and high V-OC (above 0.56 V) are easily achieved. Comparable J(SC) and PCE are demonstrated for nanocrystal dispersion-processed devices when compared with amorphous sol-gel processed devices. The excellent functionality of nanocrystal V2O5 interlayers in Si-PCPDTBT:PCBM devices further demonstrates the broad application potential of this material class for photovoltaic applications. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.