Organic Solar Cells : Fundamentals, Devices, and Upscaling

This book explores the required characteristics of the components present in an organic photovoltaic device, such as transparent electrodes, electron- and hole-conducting layers, and electron donor and electron acceptor materials. It discusses the design, preparation, and evaluation of these materials targeting the highest performance. Taking into account the necessity to optimize many interdependent parameters, the text describes the integration of various components using existing as well as innovative device architectures suitable for mass production. Finally, it assesses the technical feasibility and economic viability of the large-scale manufacture of materials and resulting devices.

Organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells have the potential to make a significant contribution to the increasing energy needs of the future. In this book, 15 chapters written by selected experts explore the required characteristics of components present in an OPV device, such as transparent electrodes, electron- and hole-conducting layers, as well as electron donor and acceptor materials. Design, preparation, and evaluation of these materials targeting highest performance are discussed. This includes contributions on modeling down to the molecular level to device-level electrical and optical testing and modeling, as well as layer morphology control and characterization. The integration of the different components in device architectures suitable for mass production is described. Finally, the technical feasibility and economic viability of large-scale manufacturing using fast inexpensive roll-to-roll deposition technologies is assessed.