Solution processed vanadium pentoxide as charge extraction layer for organic solar cells

Abstract

Solution processed V 2O 5 films prepared via a sol-gel technique are used to replace PEDOT:PSS as hole extraction interlayers in polymer:fullerene solar cells. A high work function of 5.6 eV is found for the V 2O 5 layers without any post-processing (annealing or plasma treatment). A power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3%, comparable to reference devices using PEDOT:PSS is verified. Concomitantly, a substantial improvement in device stability is demonstrated. © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.