Charge separation dynamics in a narrow band gap polymer–PbS nanocrystal blend for efficient hybrid solar cells
Claudia Piliego,Marianna Manca,Renee Kroon,Maksym Yarema,Krisztina Szendrei,Mats R. Andersson,Wolfgang Heiss,Maria A. Loi
Journal of Materials Chemistry Pub Date : 08/13/2012 00:00:00 , DOI:10.1039/C2JM34034H
Abstract

We have demonstrated efficient hybrid solar cells based on lead sulfide (PbS) nanocrystals and a narrow band gap polymer, poly[{2,5-bis(2-hexyldecyl)-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro-3,6-dioxopyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4-diyl}-alt-{[2,2′-(1,4-phenylene)bis-thiophene]-5,5′-diyl}], (PDPPTPT). An opportune mixing of the two materials led to the formation of an energetically favorable bulk hetero-junction with a broad spectral response. Using a basic device structure, we reached a power conversion efficiency of ∼3%, which is one of the highest values reported for this class of solar cells. Photo-physical measurements carried out on the device provided insights into the working mechanism: the comparison between the time decay of the pristine polymer and the polymer–PbS blend allows us to conclude that efficient charge transfer is taking place in this hybrid system.

Graphical abstract: Charge separation dynamics in a narrow band gap polymer–PbS nanocrystal blend for efficient hybrid solar cells