Electron-blocking layer / hole-transport layer for organic photovoltaics and applications of same

US7799990B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Northwestern University · US

Inventors

• Tobin J. Marks · Evanston, US
• Alexander W. Hains · Lakewood, US
• Michael D. Irwin · Dallas, US
• He Yan · Beijing, CN

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 12, 2008
• Grant date: Sep 21, 2010
• Expiry date: Mar 19, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P70/50

Abstract

The present invention, in one aspect, relates to a solar cell. In one embodiment, the solar cell includes an anode; an active organic layer comprising an electron-donating organic material and an electron-accepting organic material; a semiconducting layer formed between the anode and the active organic layer; and an electron-blocking layer (EBL) formed between the semiconducting layer and the active organic layer, where the EBL is transparent and adapted for blocking electron leakage from the active organic layer to the anode while transporting holes from the active organic layer to the anode.