Output details

Depletion of PCBM at the Cathode Interface in P3HT/PCBM Thin Films as Quantified via Neutron Reflectivity Measurements

We explained why the efficiency of the most common type of polymer solar cell is improved upon annealing, i.e. annealing increases the concentration of PCBM (the electron acceptor) at the cathode, therefore enhancing electron conduction. This work had significant impact upon the rapidly expanding organic photovoltaic research community and the wider renewable energy community. Our results provided the true mechanism for efficiency improvement upon annealing, contrary to the widely assumed mechanism of enhanced phase separation. Furthermore, we did this experiment using neutron scattering a technique not widely used by this community prior to this publication which has since become commonplace.