Simulation and Optimization of Highly Efficacious Polymer Solar Cell

This work presents design recommendations to enhance the behavior of polymer solar cells (PSC) through solar cell simulations. The investigated polymer cell comprises a PBDB-T: PZT blend as the active layer, initially structured as ITO/PEDOT-PSS/PBDB-T: PZT/PFN-Br/Ag, achieving a power conversion efficiency (ETA) of approximately 14.91%. Validation of simulation models with experimental data validates the implemented material parameters in the SCAPS-1D simulator. To improve efficiency different materials for the electron transport layer (ETL) are proposed. A suitable ETL should have an energy band offset that matches the absorber material. Various ETLs, such as ZnO, WO3, ZnOS, and ZnO0.3S0.7 are proposed. The front and back contacts’ work functions are optimized besides the thicknesses of all layers to improve the efficiency of the proposed PSC. Furthermore, the defect density in the polymer material is studied. Finally, the inverted structure of the simulated PSC is investigated. All previous steps Leeds to increase the ETA of higher than 44%.