Unusual charge transport and reduced bimolecular recombination in PDTSiTzTz:PC₇₁BM bulk heterojunction blend

Solar cells with bulk heterojunction active layers containing donor-acceptor copolymer PDTSiTzTz exhibit persistent high fill factors with thicknesses up to 400 nm. Transport and recombination in a blend of PDTSiTzTz and fullerene derivative PC₇₁BM is studied using lateral organic photovoltaic structures. This material system is characterized by carrier-concentration-dependent charge carrier mobilities, a strongly reduced bimolecular recombination factor, and a negative Poole–Frenkel coefficient. The analysis provides an explanation for the relatively thickness-independent fill factor behaviour seen in solar cells using the copolymer PDTSiTzTz. Cumulative insights from this copolymer can be employed for future organic photovoltaic material development, study of existing high performance bulk heterojunciton blends, and improved solar cell design. (paper)