What is a bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaic device?

The structure of bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaic devices generally includes interlayers, thin films positioned between the active layer and one or both of the electrodes, intended to enhance the performance and/or stability. Interlayers can consist of organic or inorganic materials.

Can photovoltaic devices be integrated into carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer substrates?

Integrating photovoltaic devices onto the surface of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer substrates should create materials with high mechanical strength that are also able to generate electrical power. Such devices are anticipated to find ready applications as structural, energy-harvesting systems in both the automotive and aeronautical sectors.

Can inorganic materials be used as cathode interlayer materials?

In the early research period of OSCs, inorganic materials were usually used as cathode interlayer materials. 22, 23 However, their disadvantages of high-temperature annealing and energy-consuming vacuum deposition make them incompatible with low-cost solution-processable organic active layer materials.

What are encapsulant polymer-based materials in PV modules?

The encapsulant polymer-based materials in PV modules must provide proven mechanical stability, electrical safety, and protection of the cells and other module components from environmental impacts.

Which encapsulant materials should be used for organic and perovskite solar cells?

Currently, prosed encapsulant materials for organic and perovskite solar cells are UV-cured epoxy resins, and these materials could offer good device stability, but the regular disposal and distribution of the active elements is not an exactly easy matter.

Why are interlayers used in thermal evaporation?

Such interlayers also serve as a buffer layer to prevent cathode materials, such as aluminum or silver, from penetrating into the organic layer during the thermal evaporation process.