Introduction to Organic Solar Cells

Abstract

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have attracted strong attention in recent years, due to the advantages of flexibility, thinness, and simple manufacturing process. In this chapter, we overview the basics of OSCs. The basics of organic semiconductors are first described. We then provide details of the four steps in the operation principles of OSCs, including exciton generation, exciton diffusion, exciton dissociation, and charge collection. The basic architecture of OSC and the methods of characterization of OSCs are also explained. This chapter provides the fundamentals of OSCs to facilitate understanding of more advanced topics.