Highly efficient small molecule multi-junction organic photovoltaic cells
A highly efficient multi junction photovoltaic device, such as a two, three, or four junction device, is disclosed. The multi-junction device may include a first subcell comprising a first photoactive region and a second subcell comprising a second photoactive region. The first and second photoactive regions are designed to minimize spectral overlap and maximize photocurrent across a broad absorption spectra, such as wavelengths ranging from 400 nm to 900 nm. The device may further include an inter-connecting layer, disposed between the first subcell and the second subcell, that is at least substantially transparent. By introducing a transparent interconnecting layer, a dual element (tandem) cell achieves a power conversion efficiency of 10.0±0.5%. By adding an additional (3rd) sub-cell that absorbs at the second order optical interference maximum within the stack. The triple junction cell significantly improves the quantum efficiency at shorter wavelengths, achieving a power conversion efficiency of 11.1±0.5%. Adding additional sub-cells has been shown to increase power conversion efficiency above 12%.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- EE0005310; SC0000957
- Assignee:
- The Regents of the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
- Patent Number(s):
- 11,251,386
- Application Number:
- 15/125,690
- OSTI ID:
- 1892620
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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