Ultraviolet light responses in photovoltaic properties of TiO2/conducting polymer heterostructure devices

Photovoltaic properties of heterostructure devices of titanium oxide (TiO2) and conducting polymer thin films have been studied. Normal photovoltaic properties were stably observed upon the visible light irradiation of the wavelength range corresponding to the absorption of a conducting polymer, and unique photovoltaic properties were also observed upon the ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation of the wavelength range corresponding to the absorption of TiO2. UV light irradiation caused marked increases in the short-circuit current at the visible-wavelength range and in the open-circuit voltage. These properties have been discussed by considering the enhancement of the built-in field which originates from the hole accumulation caused by the trap levels in the TiO2 layer or TiO2/conducting polymer interface. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.