Efficient flexible organic photovoltaics using silver nanowires and polymer based transparent electrodes

Planarization and filling voids between wires are key issues when using nanowire electrodes in flexible solar cells such as organic photovoltaics (OPV). For this purpose, we use poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) which leads to an electrically well connected silver nanowire (AgNW) network. Furthermore, the use of water based PEDOT: PSS leads to humidity assisted AgNW fusing, resulting in a maximum processing temperature of only 120 degrees C. OPV cells using this AgNW/PEDOT: PSS transparent electrodes exhibit power conversion efficiencies up to 7.15%. Moreover, OPV devices on PET substrates with an alumina encapsulation and barrier adhesive show excellent mechanical flexibility. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.