Fabrication of efficient organic and hybrid solar cells by fine channel mist spray coating

Three types of organic and hybrid photovoltaics, which include poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), [6, 6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) and zinc oxide (ZnO) in their active layer as normal, inverted and hybrid solar cells, were prepared by fine-channel mist-spray coating in air. In particular, we investigated the donor/acceptor blending effect for increasing reproducibility in normal type, annealing temperature control for more effective ZnO layer in inverted type solar cells. Patterns of sparse and vertical distribution by solvent polarity were discussed in fabrication for hybrid solar cells. Consequently, enough blending of donor/acceptor solution, the combination of pre/post-heat treatment for ZnO layer and trade-off relation between crystallization of ZnO and ordering of the P3HT matrix were factors to be considered for enhanced results in terms of high photovoltaic performance. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.