Top transparent electrodes for fabricating semitransparent organic and perovskite solar cells

Abstract

Semitransparent solar cells (ST-SCs) have sparked great interest due to their appeal in applications including automobiles, foldable solar curtains, power-generating windows and other aesthetic architectural products. The top transparent electrode is an essential component of ST-SCs because of its functions of transmitting light, transferring and collecting charge, and providing a distributed electric field. Here, a general overview is provided on the recent progress of different top transparent electrodes in the fabrication of semitransparent organic solar cells (ST-OSCs) and semitransparent perovskite solar cells (ST-PSCs). The materials for top transparent electrodes are mainly thin metals, transparent conductive oxides, transparent conducting polymers, silver nanowires (Ag-NWs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene and the combination of two or three of these materials. Techniques for optimizing the transparency and efficiency of ST-SCs are discussed in detail. Finally, a summary of the top transparent electrodes used in ST-SCs and a view into the development of this research field are provided.