Enhancing the device performance of Sb2S3-sensitized heterojunction solar cells by embedding Au nanoparticles in the hole-conducting polymer layer

Abstract

Performance of Sb₂S₃-sensitized heterojunction solar cells is enhanced by embedding Au nanoparticles in the poly-3-hexylthiophene (P3HT) hole-conducting polymer layer. The improved charge transfer/transport at the Sb₂S₃/P3HT/Au interface by extended interface area of the P3HT/Au counter electrode and the re-absorption of the backscattering light from the embedded Au nanoparticles enhanced the device performance: J_sc 11.0 to 12.8 mA cm⁻², V_oc 606 to 626 mV, fill factor (FF) 60.5 to 61.2%, and power conversion efficiency (η) 4.0 to 4.9%. Simultaneous enhancement of V_oc, J_sc, and FF in Au nanoparticle-embedded systems is mainly attributed to the improved charge collection efficiency and light harvesting efficiency of Sb₂S₃ due to the improved charge transfer/transport in the Sb₂S₃/P3HT/Au interface.