This work investigates the energy-level alignment of hybrid inorganic/organic systems (HIOS) comprising ZnO as the major inorganic semiconductor. In addition to offering essential insights, the thesis demonstrates HIOS energy-level alignment tuning within an unprecedented energy range. (Sub)monolayers of organic molecular donors and acceptors are introduced as an interlayer to modify HIOS interface-energy levels. By studying numerous HIOS with varying properties, the author derives generally valid systematic insights into the fundamental processes at work. In addition to molecular pinning levels, he identifies adsorption-induced band bending and gap-state density of states as playing a crucial role in the interlayer-modified energy-level alignment, thus laying the foundation for rationally controlling HIOS interface electronic properties. The thesis also presents quantitative descriptions of many aspects of the processes, opening the door for innovative HIOS interfaces and for future applications of ZnO in electronic devices.

Provides detailed descriptions of organic, inorganic, and hybrid solar cells and the latest developments in the quest to produce low-cost, long-lasting solar cells What will it take to transform solar energy from an important alternative source to a truly competitive and, perhaps, dominant one? Lower cost and longer life. Organic, Inorganic, and Hybrid Solar Cells: Principles and Practice provides in-depth information on the three types of existing solar cells, giving readers a good foundation for evaluating the technologies with the most potential for competing with energy from fossil fuels. Featuring a Foreword written by Nobel Peace Prize co-winner Dr. Woodrow W. Clark, this timely and comprehensive guide: Focuses on the realization of low-cost and long-life solar cells study and applications Reviews the properties of inorganic materials, primarily semiconductors Explores the electrical and optical properties of organic materials Discusses the interfacing of organic and inorganic materials: compatibility of deposition, the adhesion problem, formation of surface states, and band-level realignment Provides a detailed description of organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells, from the basic principles to practical devices Introduces a sandwiched structure for hybrid solar cells, which combines a far lower production cost than inorganic solar cells while stabilizing and extending the life of organic material far beyond that of organic solar cells Organic, Inorganic, and Hybrid Solar Cells: Principles and Practice is a first-rate professional reference for electrical engineers and important supplemental reading for graduate students in related areas of study.

Integrating polymers with inorganic nanostructures is difficult due to wetting and surface energy considerations. We developed an electropolymerization method to grow conformal polymers on high aspect ratio nanostructures. Our method is shown to improve the polymer filling rate inside the nanostructures and can be used in the development of efficient hybrid solar cells. As an example, we have studied the hybrid system of electropolymerized polythiophene (e-PT) on a variety of conductive (Au and ITO) and semiconductive substrates (Si, Ge, ZnO). In particular, e-PT/ZnO hybrid structure can be further developed into organic photovoltaics (OPV). Although unsubstituted PT is not the ideal polymer material for high efficiency solar cells, it is an excellent choice for studying basic bonding and morphology in hybrid structures. We find that e-PT is covalently bound to the polar ZnO planar substrate via a Zn-S bond, adopting an upright geometry. By contrast, no strong covalent bonding was observed between e-PT and ZnO nanorods that consist of non-polar ZnO surfaces predominantly. Energy level alignment at interfaces is critical for fundamental understanding and optimization of OPV as band offsets of the donor and acceptor materials largely determine the open circuit voltage (Voc) of the device. Using ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS) and inverse photoemission spectroscopy (IPS), we examined the correlation between energy alignment and photovoltaic properties of a model hybrid solar cell structure incorporating undoped electrodeposited polythiophene (e-PT) films on ZnO planar substrates. The electrolyte anion (BF4-, PF6-, ClO4- or CF3SO3- ) used in the electrodeposition solution was found to exert a strong influence on the neutral e-PT film morphology and adhesion, the band alignment at the interface, and ultimately the photovoltaic behavior. The interfacial dipole lowers polythiophene energy levels, increasing the theoretical and actual Voc in polythiophene/ZnO photovoltaics. Our electropolymerization approach to integrate the organic and inorganic phases aims at understanding the chemistry at the interface, and the electronic and morphological properties of the system. This work should be generally applicable to other conjugated polymers and nanostructures, and it contributes to an understanding of organic-inorganic interfaces and electronic structures that may be advantageous to a range of electronic/photonic applications.

Das erste Handbuch und gut zugängliche Referenzwerk zu diesem zunehmend wichtigen Thema erläutert in einem anwendungsorientierten Ansatz Synthese, Design, Charakterisierung und Simulation von Grenzflächen bei hybriden organisch-anorganischen Materialien.

With the increasing world-energy demand there is a growing necessity for clean and renewable energy. This book offers an introduction to novel types of solar cells, which are processed from solution. We discuss fabrication, different architectures and their device physics of these solar cells on the bases of the author‘s teaching course on a master degree level. A comparison with conventional solar cells is given and the specialties of organic, hybrid and perovskite solar cells are emphasized.

This book covers fundamentals of organometal perovskite materials and their photovoltaics, including materials preparation and device fabrications. Special emphasis is given to halide perovskites. The opto-electronic properties of perovskite materials and recent progress in perovskite solar cells are described. In addition, comments on the issues to current and future challenges are mentioned.

Providing complementary viewpoints from academia as well as technology companies, this book covers the three most important aspects of successful device design: materials, device physics, and manufacturing technologies. It also offers an insight into commercialization concerns, such as packaging technologies, system integration, reel-to-reel large scale manufacturing issues and production costs. With an introduction by Nobel Laureate Alan Heeger.

This book contains detailed information on the types, structure, fabrication, and characterization of organic solar cells (OSCs). It discusses processes to improve efficiencies and the prevention of degradation in OSCs. It compares the cost-effectiveness of OSCs to those based on crystalline silicon and discusses ways to make OSCs more economical. This book provides a practical guide for the fabrication, processing, and characterization of OSCs and paves the way for further development in OSC technology.