Enhanced photovoltaic properties of solar cell based on ITO/PEDOT:PSS/ZnO:P3HT/Ag by an annealing treatment

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the influence of annealing treatment on the photovoltaic properties of the solar cell based on ITO/PEDOT:PSS/ZnO:P3HT/Ag. Design/methodology/approach - The influence of the annealing temperature and time on the P3HT/ZnO interface morphology and the ITO/PEDOT:PSS/ZnO:P3HT/Ag solar cell performance was discussed. The morphology and the current-voltage (J-V) characteristics were investigated by atomic force morphology (AFM) and solar simulator with an AM 1.5 G filter under an irradiation intensity of 100 mW cm-2. The light intensity was calibrated using a standard silicon photovoltaic solar cell. Findings - The photovoltaic performances were found to have been greatly enhanced by an annealing treatment at 145 C for 30 min. Originality/value - The paper demonstrates that the annealing treatments play a crucial role in improving the morphology and J-V performance of the ITO/PEDOT:PSS/ZnO:P3HT/Ag solar cell. Emerald Group Publishing Limited