Photovoltaic properties of metal-free phthalocyanines. I. Al/H/sub 2/Pc Schottky barrier solar cells

Journal Article · Wed Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · J. Chem. Phys.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6360775

Loutfy, R O; Sharp, J H

The photovoltaic properties of Schottky barrier solar cells, made by dispersing particles of the x form of metal-free phthalocyanine in a binder polymer and sandwiching between NESA (SnO/sub 2//Sb) and aluminum electrodes, have been studied. A power conversion efficiency of over 6% for transmitted light at low power densities (0.06 W/m/sup 2/) has been obtained for monochromatic irradiation at 670 nm. At peak solar power density (1400 W/m/sup 2/) the extrapolated power conversion efficiency (eta) for transmitted 670 nm irradiation decreases to 0.01%. The decrease in eta with intensity was attributed to a space charge limitation due to nonlinear resistance. The devices exhibit V/sub oc/'s as high as 1.1 V, but are still limited by a field dependent quantum efficiency. Analysis of the action spectra of these devices revealed the formation of a thin photoactive depletion region (approx.400 A) at the semiconductor/metal interface. These devices are capable of capturing 30% of the solar spectrum within the photoactive region. The effect of pigment loading, cell thickness, light intensity, binder materials, doping and dye sensitization has been studied. Based upon sunlight absorption, theoretical efficiencies for these devices appear high.

• Research Organization: Xerox Research Centre of Canada, 2480 Dunwin Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1J9, Canada
• OSTI ID: 6360775
• Journal Information: J. Chem. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Chem. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 71:3; ISSN JCPSA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
DYES
EFFICIENCY
FABRICATION
HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CONVERSION
PHTHALOCYANINES
SOLAR CELLS