Enhancement of Power Conversion Efficiencies of Polymer Solar Cells by Intense Pulsed Light Irradiation

Abstract

We demonstrated a noble method to control the morphology of P3HT:PCBM photoactive thin-films within a few seconds using white pulsed light for highly efficient polymer solar cells. Irradiation of pulsed white-light on P3HT:PCBM thin films for only 2 seconds resulted in improved PCEs of the device almost approaching to that of the devices prepared by typical thermal treatment. We systematically investigated the influence of pulse management on the crystallinity and light absorption properties of the P3HT:PCBM layer. The pulsed light treatment is substantially beneficial to split-second, large area and cost-effective roll-to-roll production of polymer solar cells.