Heterojunction photovoltaic cell using p- and n-type conducting polymers

Abstract

A poly(p-pyridyl vinylene), PPyV/Poly(3-hexylthiophene), P3HT heterojunction photovoltaic cell was fabricated and its photo irradiation effects have been investigated. Quenching of photoluminescence both in the PPyV and P3HT layers has been observed in the PPy/P3HT heterojunction film. The photovoltaic characteristics of the heterojunction photovoltaic cell are also greatly improved from those in a P3HT monolayer photovoltaic cell. Its photoresponse gives evidence of the photoinduced charge transfer between PPyV and P3HT. These results are discussed by taking account of the difference in electronic states of both PPyV and P3HT.