Performance degradation of P3HT:PCBM polymer/fullerene photovoltaic cells under gamma irradiation

A. M. Todd, T. Zhu, F. Zhang, C. U. Zhang, A. D. Berger, J. Xu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Organic photovoltaic cells are being considered for space applications due to the ease of fabrication, low production cost, and the potential to be used on flexible substrates. However, space-bound cells are exposed to high levels of radiation when orbiting the Earth. In this ongoing study, we examine the performance of P3HT:PCBM photovoltaic cells after exposure to gamma radiation from a cesium-137 source (662 keV). Preliminary results show degradation of the device I-V characteristics with radiation doses up to 5 krad. The integral mode time of flight (I-TOF) technique and current extraction by a linearly increasing voltage (CELIV) technique will be used to study the electron mobility and carrier lifetime properties as a function of the radiation dose. We speculate that main chain scission and reduced .-conjugation of P3HT are the dominant mechanisms responsible for performance degradation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication1st International Symposium on Semiconductor and Plasmonics-Active Nanostructures for Photonic Devices and Systems
PublisherElectrochemical Society Inc.
Pages103-111
Number of pages9
Edition11
ISBN (Electronic)9781566777483
ISBN (Print)9781566777483
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009

Publication series

NameECS Transactions
Number11
Volume25
ISSN (Print)1938-5862
ISSN (Electronic)1938-6737

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Engineering

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