Glossary

Photovoltaic Polymers

11.12.08

A polymer photovoltaic or solar cell consists of an active layer that traditionally is composed of a soluble polymer material mixed with, for instance, a soluble fullerene derivative. The active layer is sandwiched between two electrodes and barrier layers. The thickness of the active layer is in the range 10–100 nm. The electrodes are typically very thin and in the range 20-50 nm. Polymer solar cells are thus thin film devices and the entire thickness of the device is in the range of 50-200 nm. The function of the electrodes is to collect the charges that are being generated upon illumination and at least one of the electrodes has to be transparent in order to admit the light to the active layer.
Source: National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, Technical University of Denmark
URL: http://www.risoe.dk/Research/sustainable_energy/new_energy_technologies/projects/solar_group_stable_polymer.aspx?sc_lang=en
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