Toward fully printed Organic Photovoltaics : Processing and Stability

Abstract

The presence of a brittle and expensive ITO electrode is a limiting factor towards low cost OPV modules. Moreover, ITO layers on PET or PEN substrates are typically characterized by relatively high sheet resistances and the presence of large amounts of spikes that lead to efficiency losses. We have developed an alternative for the ITO anode, based on highly conductive PEDOT:PSS in combination with current collecting grids. Moreover, initial experiments indicate that the stability of ITO-free devices is higher than the stability of standard devices based on ITO. This work will ultimately contribute toward fully printed devices, which will provide low-cost manufacturing and improved stability of organic photovoltaics.