Minimizing Voltage Loss in Ternary Solar Cells

• Researchers have identified two design strategies to minimize voltage losses and improve open-circuit voltage in ternary organic solar cells. Yuming Wang from Linköping University leads a team of researchers including those from Hasselt University, IMEC, and other institutes studying the origins of this loss of voltage. Results published in Nature Energy.

Researchers have identified two strategies to minimize voltage losses in ternary organic solar cells, which show promising power conversion efficiencies. The team, led by Yuming Wang from Linköping University, Hasselt University, IMEC and other institutes, studied the origins of this loss of voltage. Their research, published in Nature Energy, outlines two design strategies for improving the open-circuit voltage of ternary organic solar cells. The team conducted a series of optoelectrical spectroscopy experiments and quantum chemistry simulations to better understand the mechanisms underpinning non-radiative recombination voltage loss. The results suggest that the third component should have a higher luminescent efficiency and close energetic levels with respect to those in the host binary blend in order to reduce voltage losses and improve the performance of the solar cells. The team plans to screen third components according to the proposed design rules in the future.

How Can Voltage Losses in Ternary Organic Solar Cells Be Minimized?

• Increase third component’s luminescent efficiency
• Design third component to have close energetic levels with respect to binary blend
• Utilize optoelectrical spectroscopy experiments to better understand non-radiative recombination
• Utilize quantum chemistry simulations to understand voltage losses
• Optimize ternary organic solar cells to reduce voltage losses
• Screen third components according to proposed design rules
• Employ strategies developed by the team to maximize efficiency of ternary organic solar cells