Implementing ZnO nanomaterials in P3HT: PCBM based hybrid solar cell

Develop nanomaterials like nanorods, nanoroots through simple and economic routes. Characterise these synthesised nanomaterials Utilising these prepared ZnO nanomaterials for solar cell fabrication and analyse device performances Compare the photovoltaic parameters of different devices This chapter focuses on fabricating hybrid type solar cell using nanomaterials of ZnO as the electron collective layer. Nanomaterials, vertically aligned ZnO nanorods and ZnO nanoroots were developed through simple, cost-effective and non-vacuum aqueous solution growth and chemical spray pyrolysis techniques. Seed layer is required for the growth of vertically well-aligned ZnO nanorods and was deposited using chemical spray pyrolysis technique. Structural, optical and morphological characterisations revealed the formation of ZnO film with uniform surface when deposited at substrate temperature of 550 C. This also described the role of pH, Zn precursor concentration for the growth of vertically aligned ZnO nanorods. Another type of nanostructure, that is, tangled root structure, was developed through chemical spray pyrolysis and was morphologically analysed. Solar cells were fabricated with basic device structures: ITO/ZnO:Al (seed layer)/ZnO (nanorods)/P3HT:PCBM/Ag, ITO/ZnO (tangled roots)/P3HT:PCBM/Ag. Modifications in these structures were also done. Devices fabricated with modified initial structure exhibited an efficiency of 0.44% and that with the later yielded an efficiency of 1.4 %.