Fabrication and Characterization of PCDTBT:PC61BM Based Bulk Heterojunction Organic Solar Cell

Abstract

Bulk heterojunction (BHJ) based organic solar cells (OSCs) are gaining greater attention for clean energy production due to various features, namely low-cost, easy fabrication process, the feasibility of solution process, mechanical flexibility, nontoxicity, and biodegradability. Recently, the low bandgap polymer, poly[N-9′-heptadecanyl- 2,7-carbazole-alt-5,5-(4′,7′-di-2-thienyl-2′,1′,3′-benzothiadiazole)] (PCDTBT) has been considered to be more suitable p-type donor polymer for the OSC. The PCDTBT is blended with the commonly used acceptor polymer PC61BM for the fabrication of OSC and provides better stability as well as improved photovoltaic parameters. Considering the above aspects, the present thesis is focused to fabricate and characterize the PCDTBT:PC61BM active layer based BHJ OSC by modifying the interface layer, transport layers, and the photoactive layer. The works of the thesis are intended to enhance the photovoltaic parameters through thin film engineering. The thesis consists of five chapters which are briefly outlined in the following sentences.