Influence of doped PEDOT:PSS on the performance of polymer solar cells

The influence of anode buffer layers of doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) on the performance of solar cells made from blends of poly(3-hexylthiophene) and [6,6]-phenyl-C-61-buytyric acid methyl ester has been investigated. Different concentration of ethylene glycol were added into the PEDOT:PSS solution to increase its conductivity. The surface roughness of the doped PEDOT:PSS film was changed, which was examined by atomic force microscopy. The best doped device with a power conversion efficiency of 4.39% as compared to 3.41% for the pristine device has been achieved. The enhanced PEDOT:PSS conductivity improved the short circuit current and fill factor of the doped device. The almost constant open circuit voltage indicated the well-established ohmic contact between the anode and active layer irrespective of the doping of the PEDOT:PSS. The changed surface roughness of the doped PEDOT:PSS film did not correlate with the morphology of the consequent active layer and the resultant device performance. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.