A large interconnecting network within hybrid MEH-PPV/TiO2 nanorod photovoltaic devices

This is a study of hybrid photovoltaic devices based on TiO2 nanorods and poly[2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV). We use TiO2 nanorods as the electron acceptors and conduction pathways. Here we describe how to develop a large interconnecting network within the photovoltaic device fabricated by inserting a layer of TiO2 nanorods between the MEH-PPV:TiO2 nanorod hybrid active layer and the aluminium electrode. The formation of a large interconnecting network provides better connectivity to the electrode, leading to a 2.5-fold improvement in external quantum efficiency as compared to the reference device without the TiO2 nanorod layer. A power conversion efficiency of 2.2% under illumination at 565nm and a maximum external quantum efficiency of 24% at 430nm are achieved. A power conversion efficiency of 0.49% is obtained under Air Mass 1.5 illumination. © IOP Publishing Ltd.