Optimization and Enhancement Optoelectronic Performances of NiO and CuO Nanoparticles Incorporated Organic Photovoltaic Devices

The restricted carrier mobility and optical absorption coefficient of the organic solar cells (OSCs) provide a challenge in achieving both effective carrier extraction and light absorption. This article introduces the concept of “carrier routes” by incorporating NiO and CuO nanoparticles (NPs) into the active layer of OSCs. NiO and CuO NPs provide a simple network route for hole transport and collection, increasing the interfaces between an active exciton production region and ultimately hole-conducting oxide material. NiO/CuO NPs promote poly 3-hexylthiophene (P3HT) absorption, boosting optical absorption and light harvesting. The optimal NiO/CuO NPs 0.0250/0.0250 ratio in the active layer improves P3HT/PC61BM crystallinity and absorbance. Results showed that compared to the free NPs device, the one based on the optimal concentration of both NiO/CuO increased power conversion efficiency by around 40.8%. A higher hole mobility of 4.68 × 10^–5 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ was shown by the most efficient device compared to the others. Further addition of NiO and CuO NPs leads to significant agglomeration, causing degraded device parameters.