[nanoPost] Hybrid polymer solar cells

Research Centre Holland

Hybrid solar cells consisting of a p-type polymer semiconductor and an inorganic n-type material are a promising solid-state alternative to liquid electrolyte dye-sensitized solar cells. Currently, the highest efficiencies for such hybrid devices have been obtained with CdSe nanoparticles and polythiophenes, but there is an obvious environmental disadvantage to CdSe as the material is highly toxic. In 2003, we developed the first solar cells based on a conjugated polymer and crystalline zinc oxide nanoparticles (nc-ZnO)1 . Polymer:nc-ZnO cells overcome the drawbacks associated with CdSe while the promising power conversion efficiency is preserved.