Efficient bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells using sublimable transition metal complex as photosensitizers

Abstract

Multilayer bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells using chlorotricarbonyl rhenium (I) bis(phenylimino)acenaphthene (Re-DIAN) complex as photosensitizer were studied. The complex is sublimable, has lower band gap, good thermal stability and good processibility. It has broad absorption in UV-visible region. Therefore, Re-DIAN exhibits good photosensitising property for photovoltaic cells. Multilayer bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells with simple structures were fabricated base on Re-DIAN complex. The active layer consists of a blend of Re-DIAN and fullerene that were co-deposited in the same layer by vacuum deposition. The photovoltaic properties of the devices were studied by irradiaton under AM 1.5 simulated solar light. The effects of changing the co-deposition film thickness, amount of Re-DIAN photosensitizer, and hole transporting materials were studied. © 2005 Materials Research Society.