Ligand engineering in hybrid polymer:nanocrystal solar cells
Blends of semiconducting polymers and inorganic semiconductor nanocrystals are receiving renewed interest as a type of inexpensive, solution-processed third generation solar cell. In these hybrid bulk heterojunctions (BHJs), the interface between the disparate organic and inorganic phases is a dominating factor in the overall performance of the resulting devices. Paramount to this interface is the ligand landscape on the nanocrystal surface, which as a result of the inherently large surface area to volume ratio of the nanocrystals, has a significant spatial and electronic influence on the boundary between the donor polymer and acceptor nanocrystal. Here, we have investigated the importance of this three-part polymer/ligand/nanocrystal interface by studying the ligand effects in hybrid BHJ solar cells. In this article, we highlight the major research advances and the state-of-the-art in hybrid BHJ solar cells with respect to ligand engineering, as well as outline future research avenues deemed necessary for continued technological advancement.
- Research Organization:
- Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRC), Washington, D.C. (United States). Center for Energy Nanoscience (CEN)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- SC0001013
- OSTI ID:
- 1242859
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 1369889
- Journal Information:
- Materials Today, Journal Name: Materials Today Vol. 18 Journal Issue: 1; ISSN 1369-7021
- Publisher:
- ElsevierCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United Kingdom
- Language:
- English
Web of Science
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