High-efficiency laminated hybrid solar cell

Abstract

The invention relates to a high-efficiency laminated hybrid solar cell. In one aspect, a stacked photovoltaic PV device includes a substrate, a reflector layer over the substrate, a lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell including an organic sub-cell over the reflector layer, and a higher energy absorbing PV sub-cell including a perovskite sub-cell or a CdTe sub-cell over the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell. In another aspect, a laminated photovoltaic PV device includes a substrate, a reflector layer over the substrate, a lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell over the reflector layer, and a higher energy absorbing PV sub-cell over the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell, where the device has a PCE of greater than 30% and an open circuit voltage of greater than 2.0 V at incident AM1.5 radiation.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 673,216, filed July 19, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application generally relates to a high efficiency tandem hybrid solar cell. BACKGROUND

[0004] Photovoltaic devices utilizing organic materials are becoming increasingly important for a variety of reasons. Many of the materials used to manufacture the devices are relatively inexpensive, thus organic photovoltaic devices have the potential to be lower cost than inorganic devices. In addition, the inherent properties of organic materials, such as their flexibility, can make them well suited for particular applications, such as manufacture on flexible substrates. Examples of organic photovoltaic devices include organic light emitting devices (OLEDs), organic phototransistors, organic photovoltaic cells, and organic photodetectors. For OLEDs, organic materials can have performance advantages over conventional materials. For example, the wavelength at which an organic emissive layer emits light can generally be easily tuned with appropriate dopants.

[0005] Light-sensitive photovoltaic devices convert electromagnetic radiation into electricity. Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic (PV) devices or cells, are a type of light-sensitive photovoltaic device that is specifically designed to generate electricity. PV devices that can generate electricity from light sources other than the sun can be used to drive consumption loads, to provide, for example, lighting, heating, or to power electronic circuits or devices such as calculators, radios, computers, or remote monitoring or communication equipment. These power generation applications can involve charging of batteries or other energy storage devices, so that operation can continue when direct illumination from the sun or other light source is not available, or to balance the power output of the PV device with the requirements of a particular application.

[0006] Traditionally, light-sensitive photovoltaic devices have been constructed from a number of inorganic semiconductors, such as crystalline, polycrystalline, and amorphous silicon, gallium arsenide, cadmium telluride, etc.

[0007] Recent efforts have focused on using organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells to achieve acceptable photovoltaic conversion efficiencies at economically viable production costs. OPV offers a low-cost, lightweight, and mechanically flexible route to solar energy conversion. Small molecule OPV has the advantage over polymers of using materials with well-defined molecular structure and weight. This brings a reliable purification route and enables the use of highly controlled thermal deposition to deposit multiple layers without the worry of dissolving and thus damaging previously deposited layers or sub-cells. SUMMARY

[0008] Some embodiments of the application disclosed herein are set forth below, and any combination of these embodiments (or portions thereof) can be made to define another embodiment.

[0009] In one aspect, a tandem photovoltaic (PV) device includes a substrate, a reflector layer over the substrate, a lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell including an organic sub-cell over the reflector layer, and a higher energy absorbing PV sub-cell including a perovskite sub-cell or a CdTe sub-cell over the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell, wherein the device has at least one of a power conversion efficiency (PCE) greater than 30% under incident AM1.5 radiation and an open circuit voltage greater than 2.2 V under AM1.5 radiation.

[0010] In one embodiment, the device further includes a charge generation layer (CGL) between the PV sub-cells.

[0011] In one embodiment, the CGL includes Ag nanoparticles.

[0012] In one embodiment, the device includes a vacuum thermal evaporation (VTE) deposited film.

[0013] In one embodiment, the device includes a solution-processed film.

[0014] In one embodiment, the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell includes two or more PV sub-cells.

[0015] In one embodiment, the higher energy absorbing PV sub-cell includes two or more PV sub-cells.

[0016] In one embodiment, the device includes a two-terminal (2T), three-terminal (3T), or four-terminal (4T) device.

[0017] In one embodiment, the device is flexible.

[0018] In one embodiment, the reflector layer is configured to reflect at least one of near infrared light (NIR) and visible light.

[0019] In one embodiment, the reflector layer is textured.

[0020] In one embodiment, the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell is configured to absorb NIR light.

[0021] In one embodiment, the higher energy absorbing PV sub-cell is configured to absorb visible light.

[0022] In one embodiment, the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell has an external quantum efficiency (EQE) at 600 nm that is less than 10% of its peak EQE.

[0023] In one embodiment, the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell has an external quantum efficiency (EQE) at 575 nm that is less than 10% of its peak EQE.

[0024] In one embodiment, the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell has an external quantum efficiency (EQE) at 550 nm that is less than 10% of its peak EQE.

[0025] In one embodiment, the EQE of the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell has a response greater than 50% of its peak EQE at 900 nm or 950 nm or greater.

[0026] In one embodiment, the wavelength at which the EQE of the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell is equal to the EQE of the higher energy absorbing PV sub-cell is greater than 650 nm, greater than 675 nm, greater than 700 nm, greater than 725 nm, and / or greater than 750 nm.

[0027] In another aspect, a product comprises a device as described above, wherein the product is selected from a display screen, a discrete light source, a lighting panel, a flat panel display, a curved display, a computer monitor, a medical monitor, a television, a sign, a light for interior or exterior illumination and / or signaling, a heads-up display, a fully transparent or partially transparent display, a flexible display, a rollable display, a foldable display, a stretchable display, a laser printer, a telephone, a cellular phone, a tablet computer, a phablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wearable device, a laptop computer, a digital camera, a camcorder, a viewfinder, a microdisplay with a diagonal less than 2 inches, a 3-D display, a virtual reality or augmented reality display, a vehicle, a video wall comprising a plurality of displays tiled together, a theater or stadium screen, a sign, an electronic component module, a lighting panel, a solar cell, a lightweight solar cell, a flexible solar cell, a solar cell integrated with a thin film electronic device, a thin film power source, a solar power farm, a sensor, a radio receiver / transmitter, an audio producing device, a computing device, an IT device, a shelf label, a window, a wall, or a roof.

[0028] In another aspect, a stacked photovoltaic (PV) device comprises a substrate, a reflector layer over the substrate, a lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell over the reflector layer, and a higher energy absorbing PV sub-cell over the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell, wherein the device has a PCE greater than 30% and an open circuit voltage greater than 2.2 V under incident AM 1.5 radiation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] The foregoing objects and features, and other objects and features, will become more readily apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0030] Figure 1 An organic light emitting device is shown.

[0031] Figure 2 An inverted organic light emitting device without a separate electron transport layer is shown.

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic of one embodiment of a high efficiency stacked perovskite OPV solar cell that allows for high efficiency spectral splitting and high device efficiency is shown.

[0033] Figure 4 A plot of external quantum efficiency versus wavelength for a stacked solar cell (perovskite and OPV) that allows for spectral splitting but has significant EQE from the OPV cell in the region of perovskite efficient absorption (500-650 nm) is shown. (See Brinkman et al.) DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] It should be understood that the drawings and description of the present application have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present application, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity, many other elements found in related systems and methods. Those of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that other elements and / or steps are desirable and / or required in implementing the present application. However, because these elements and steps are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present application, a discussion of such elements and steps is not provided herein. The disclosure herein is directed to all such variations and modifications of the elements and methods known to augment the practice of the present application.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present application, exemplary methods and materials are described.

[0036] As used herein, each of the following terms has the meaning associated with it in this section.

[0037] The articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, "an element" means one element or more than one element.

[0038] As used herein, when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a duration, and the like, "about" is meant to encompass deviations of plus or minus 20%, plus or minus 10%, plus or minus 5%, plus or minus 1% and plus or minus 0.1% as appropriate, of the specified value, as such variations are appropriate.

[0039] Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the application can be presented in a range format. It is to be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and that one

[0040] As used herein, the terms "electrode" and "contact" can refer to a layer that provides a medium for transporting photo-generated current to an external circuit or providing a bias current or voltage to a device. That is, the electrode or contact provides an interface between the active region of an organic photosensitive optoelectronic device and a wire, lead, trace, or other means for transporting charge carriers to or from an external circuit. Examples of electrodes include an anode and a cathode, which can be used in a photosensitive optoelectronic device.

[0041] As used herein, the term "transparent" can refer to an electrode that allows at least 50% of incident electromagnetic radiation of a relevant wavelength to be transmitted through it. In a photosensitive optoelectronic device, it can be desirable to allow the maximum amount of ambient electromagnetic radiation from outside the device to enter the photoconductive active interior region. That is, the electromagnetic radiation must reach the photoconductive layer where it can be converted to electricity by photoconductive absorption. This generally dictates that at least one of the electrical contacts should minimally absorb and minimally reflect incident electromagnetic radiation. In some cases, such a contact should be transparent or at least translucent.

[0042] As used herein, the term "translucent" can refer to an electrode that allows some, but less than 50%, of ambient electromagnetic radiation of a relevant wavelength to be transmitted. The opposing electrode can be a reflective material such that light that has passed through the cell without being absorbed is reflected back through the cell.

[0043] As used and depicted herein, a "layer" refers to a component or part of a photosensitive device whose principal dimensions are X-Y, i.e., along its length and width. It should be understood that the term layer is not necessarily limited to a single layer or monolithic piece of material. Further, it should be understood that the surface of certain layers, including the interface of these layers with other materials or layers, can be imperfect, wherein the surface represents an interpenetrating, entangled, or convoluted network with other materials or layers. Similarly, it should also be understood that a layer can be discontinuous, such that the continuity of the layer along the X-Y dimensions can be perturbed or otherwise interrupted by other layers or materials.

[0044] As used herein, a "photoactive region" refers to a region of a device that absorbs electromagnetic radiation to generate excitons. Similarly, a layer is "photoactive" if it absorbs electromagnetic radiation to generate excitons. Excitons can dissociate into an electron and a hole in order to generate a current.

[0045] As used herein, the terms "donor" and "acceptor" refer to the relative position of the highest occupied molecular orbital ("HOMO") and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital ("LUMO") energy levels of two contacting but different organic materials. A material is an acceptor if its LUMO energy level is lower than that of the other material with which it is in contact. Otherwise it is a donor. In the absence of an external bias, electrons move into the acceptor material and holes into the donor material at the donor-acceptor junction, which is energetically favorable.

[0046] As used herein, a first "highest occupied molecular orbital" (HOMO) or "lowest unoccupied molecular orbital" (LUMO) energy level is "greater than" or "higher than" a second HOMO or LUMO energy level if the first energy level is closer to the vacuum level. Since the ionization potential (IP) is measured as a negative energy relative to the vacuum level, a higher HOMO energy level corresponds to an IP with a smaller absolute value (a less negative IP). Similarly, a higher LUMO energy level corresponds to an electron affinity (EA) with a smaller absolute value (a less negative EA). On a conventional energy level diagram with the vacuum level at the top, the LUMO energy level of a material is higher than the HOMO energy level of the same material. A "higher" HOMO or LUMO energy level appears closer to the top of such a diagram than a "lower" HOMO or LUMO energy level.

[0047] As used herein, the "bandgap" (E g ) of a polymer can refer to the energy difference between the HOMO and LUMO. Bandgaps are typically reported in electron volts (eV). Bandgaps can be measured by UV-vis spectroscopy or cyclic voltammetry. A "low bandgap" polymer can refer to a polymer with a bandgap below 2 eV, e.g., a polymer that absorbs light with a wavelength longer than 620 nm.

[0048] As used herein, the term "exciton binding energy" (E B ) can refer to the following formula: E B = (M + + M - ) - (M* + M), where M + and M - are the total energies of the positively and negatively charged molecules, respectively; M* and M are the molecular energies in the first singlet (S1) and ground states, respectively. The exciton binding energy of an acceptor or donor molecule influences the energy offset required for efficient exciton dissociation. In certain examples, the escape yield of holes increases with increasing HOMO offset. A decrease in the exciton binding energy E B for an acceptor molecule results in an increase in hole escape rate for the same HOMO offset between the donor and acceptor molecules.

[0049] As used herein, the power conversion efficiency (η ρ ) can be expressed as:

[0050]

[0051] where V OC is the open circuit voltage, FF is the fill factor, J SC is the short circuit current, and P O is the input optical power.

[0052] As used herein, the term "organic" includes polymeric and small molecule organic materials, which can be used to fabricate organic optoelectronic devices. Small molecules can also be incorporated into polymer materials. "Small molecules" refer to any organic materials that are not polymers, and can actually be quite large. In some cases, small molecules can include repeating units. For example, a molecule that contains a long chain alkyl segment is not necessarily removed from the "small molecule" category. Small molecules can also be incorporated into polymers, for example, as a side group on a polymer backbone or as a part of the backbone. Small molecules can also serve as the core moiety of a dendrimer, a tree-like polymer that contains a series of chemical shells built on a core moiety. Dendrimers can be "small molecules," and all dendrimers currently in use in the field of organic optoelectronics are small molecules.

[0053] As used herein, "top" means furthest away from the substrate, and "bottom" means closest to the substrate. Where a first layer is described as "disposed on" a second layer, the first layer is disposed further from the substrate than is the second layer. Unless stated to the contrary, there can be intervening layers between the first and second layers. For example, a cathode can be described as "disposed on" an anode, even though various organic layers are between the cathode and the anode.

[0054] As used herein, "solution processible" means capable of being dissolved, dispersed, or transported in and / or deposited from a liquid medium, either in solution or suspension form.

[0055] A ligand can be referred to as "photosensitive" when it is believed to directly contribute to the photoactive properties of a material. A ligand can be referred to as "auxiliary" when it is believed not to contribute to the photoactive properties of a material, although an auxiliary ligand can alter the properties of a photosensitive ligand.

[0056] As used herein, and as generally understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, on a conventional energy level diagram with the vacuum level at the top, a "shallower" energy level appears higher or closer to the top of such a diagram than a "deeper" energy level, which appears lower or closer to the bottom.

[0057] As used herein, and as generally understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, a first work function is "greater than" or "higher than" a second work function if the first work function has a higher absolute value. Because work functions are typically measured as negative numbers relative to the vacuum level, this means that a "higher" work function is more negative. On a conventional energy level diagram with the vacuum level at the top, a "higher" work function is illustrated as being further from the vacuum level in the downward direction. Thus, the definitions of HOMO and LUMO energy levels follow a different convention than that of work functions.

[0058] Unless otherwise described, any of the layers of the various embodiments can be deposited by any suitable method. For organic layers, preferred methods include thermal evaporation, ink-jet (as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,013,982 and 6,087,196, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties), organic vapor phase deposition (OVPD) as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,337,102 to Fifer et al., which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, and deposition by organic vapor jet printing (OVJP), as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,431,968, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other suitable deposition methods include spin coating and other solution based processes. Solution based processes are preferably conducted in a nitrogen or inert atmosphere. For other layers, preferred methods include thermal evaporation. Preferred patterning methods include deposition through a mask, cold welding (as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,294,398 and 6,468,819, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties) and patterning associated with some of the deposition methods such as ink-jet and OVJP. Other methods can also be used. The materials to be deposited can be modified in order to impart more suitable properties to the deposition

[0059] Devices fabricated in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure can further optionally include a barrier layer. One use of a barrier layer is to protect the electrodes and organic layers from the deleterious effects of exposure to the environment including, for example, water, humidity, oxygen and / or gases. A barrier layer can be deposited on the substrate, on the electrodes, on the organic layers, or on any other portions of the device, including edges. The barrier layer can be deposited by a variety of known techniques under a variety of names including, for example, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, sputtering, and thermal evaporation. The barrier layer can include a single layer or multiple layers. The barrier layer can be formed from a variety of materials, and can be composed of organic materials, inorganic materials, or a combination of both. Inorganic compounds or organic compounds or both can be incorporated into the barrier layer. A preferred barrier layer comprises a mixture of polymeric and non-polymeric materials as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,968,146, PCT Patent Application Nos. PCT / US2007 / 023098 and PCT / US2009 / 042829, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. To be considered a "mixture," the aforementioned polymeric and non-polymeric materials making up the barrier layer should be deposited under the same reaction conditions and / or simultaneously. The weight ratio of polymeric material to non-polymeric material can range from 95:5 to 5:95. The polymeric and non-polymeric materials can be produced from the same precursor material. In one example, the mixture of polymeric and non-polymeric materials consists essentially of polymeric silicon and inorganic silicon.

[0060] While certain embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in relation to one particular device or type of device, e.g., OPVs, it should be understood that the disclosed improvements can be equally applied to other devices, including but not limited to OLEDs, PLEDs, charge-coupled devices (CCDs), photodetectors, etc.

[0061] While the exemplary embodiments described herein can be presented as methods for producing a particular circuit or device, e.g., OPVs, it should be understood that the materials and structures described herein can be applied in devices other than OPVs. For example, other optoelectronic devices such as OLEDs and organic photodetectors can employ the described materials and structures. More generally, organic devices such as organic transistors or other organic electronic circuits or components can employ the described materials and structures.

[0062] In some embodiments, the optoelectronic device has one or more features selected from the group consisting of: flexible, rollable, foldable, stretchable, and bendable. In some embodiments, the optoelectronic device is transparent or semi-transparent. In some embodiments, the optoelectronic device further comprises a layer comprising carbon nanotubes.

[0063] Devices fabricated in accordance with embodiments of the application can be incorporated into a wide variety of electronic component modules (or units) which can be incorporated into a wide variety of electronic products or intermediate components. Examples of such electronic products or intermediate components include display screens, lighting devices (such as discrete light source devices or lighting panels), and the like, which can be utilized by end-user product manufacturers. The electronic component modules can optionally include driving electronics and / or power supplies. Devices fabricated in accordance with embodiments of the application can be incorporated into a wide variety of consumer products having one or more electronic component modules (or units) incorporated therein. A consumer product is disclosed comprising an OPV comprising a compound of the present disclosure in an organic layer in the OPV. The consumer product should include any kind of product containing one or more of one or more light sources and / or some kind of visual display. Some examples of the consumer product include flat panel displays, curved panel displays, computer monitors, medical monitors, televisions, billboards, lamps for interior or exterior lighting and / or signaling, head-up displays, fully or partially transparent displays, flexible displays, rollable displays, foldable displays, stretchable displays, laser printers, telephones, cellular telephones, tablet computers, phablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wearable devices, laptop computers, digital cameras, video cameras, viewfinders, micro-displays with a diagonal smaller than 2 inches, 3D displays, virtual reality or augmented reality displays, vehicles, video walls comprising multiple displays tiled together, theater or stadium screens, and signs. Various control mechanisms can be used to control devices fabricated in accordance with the application, including passive matrix and active matrix. It is intended that many of the devices be used in temperature ranges comfortable for humans, such as 18 °C to 30 °C, and more preferably at room temperature (20-25 °C), but can be used outside this temperature range (e.g. -40 °C to 80 °C).

[0064] According to an embodiment, a device manufactured according to embodiments of the present application can be incorporated into one or more devices selected from consumer products, electronic component modules, lighting panels, and / or signs or displays. Other examples of such electronic products or intermediate components include solar cells, lightweight solar cells, flexible solar cells, solar cells integrated with thin film electronics for power conversion and management, thin film power sources consisting of OPV cells integrated with thin film electronics for power consumption and management, solar power farms including one or more OPV cells and / or devices that can be integrated in an array, solar power farms including semi-transparent OPV cells and / or devices for advantages related to plants / crops, OPV devices on the same substrate as displays such as thin film displays and with integrated or external electronics, OPV integrated with one or more sensors including but not limited to mechanical, electrical, and / or biological sensors, OPV on the same substrate as a radio receiver / transmitter, OPV on the same substrate as an audio producing device, OPV on the same substrate as a computing device, OPV for powering IT devices, OPV for powering shelf labels, OPV for indoor applications, OPV for integration with windows, walls, roofs, etc., OPV for solar power. In one embodiment, the OPV device can be fully or partially transparent, flexible, curved, rollable, foldable, or stretchable.

[0065] According to embodiments, a device manufactured according to embodiments of the present application can be combined with a battery on the same substrate as the device, or a battery connected to a different substrate / device. According to embodiments, the battery can be a standard battery and / or a thin film battery.

[0066] According to embodiments, the manufactured device can be a thin film OPV device. In one embodiment, a thin film device is a device in which the layers of the device are deposited rather than placed on a substrate.

[0067] Figure 1 An example of various layers of a single-junction solar cell or organic photovoltaic cell (OPV) 100 is depicted. The exemplary OPV 100 includes an anode 102, a cathode 104, an active layer 106, an intermediate layer 108, and another intermediate layer 110.

[0068] An OPV cell can include two electrodes having an anode 102 and a cathode 104 in a stacked relationship, at least one donor composition, and at least one acceptor composition, with a donor-acceptor material or active layer 106 between the two electrodes 102, 104. In some embodiments, the active layer 106 can be an organic heterojunction as described below. In some embodiments, at least one intermediate layer 108 can be between the anode 102 and the active layer 106. Additionally or alternatively, at least one intermediate layer 110 can be between the active layer 106 and the cathode 104.

[0069] Still referring to Figure 1 , the anode 102 can include a conductive oxide, a thin metal layer, or a conductive polymer. In some examples, the anode 102 includes a (e.g., transparent) conductive metal oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), tin oxide (TO), gallium indium tin oxide (GITO), zinc oxide (ZO), or zinc indium tin oxide (ZITO). In other examples, the anode 102 includes a thin metal layer, where the metal is selected from the group consisting of Ag, Au, Pd, Pt, Ti, V, Zn, Sn, Al, Co, Ni, Cu, Cr, or combinations thereof. In other examples, the anode 102 includes a (e.g., transparent) conductive polymer such as polyaniline (PANI) or 3,4-polyethylenedioxythiophene:polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). The thickness of the anode 102 can be 0.1-100 nm, 1-10 nm, 0.1-10 nm, or 10-100 nm.

[0070] Continuing to refer to Figure 1 , the cathode 104 can be a conductive oxide, a thin metal layer, or a conductive polymer similar to or different from the materials discussed above for the anode 102. In certain examples, the cathode 104 can include a metal or a metal alloy. The cathode 104 can include Ca, Al, Mg, Ti, W, Ag, Au, or other suitable metals or alloys thereof. The thickness of the cathode 104 can be 0.1-100 nm, 1-10 nm, 0.1-10 nm, or 10-100 nm.

[0071] In some embodiments, the photovoltaic device additionally includes a flexible plastic substrate as one of its layers. As used herein, a flexible plastic substrate is defined as a bottom layer component of a solar cell. The substrate can protect the back of the photovoltaic device from weather conditions and can mitigate any electrical shock hazards, such as humidity, UV exposure, and other environmental conditions that threaten performance. The substrate can further include multiple layers of adhesives, barrier films, and / or polymers. The flexible plastic substrate can have any of the properties of any of the substrates previously described herein. In some embodiments, the flexible plastic substrate can be located below the active layer 106 or organic heterojunction. In some embodiments, the flexible plastic substrate includes a plastic, glass, or other suitable material, such as a material that is transparent to at least a portion of the emission spectrum of the OPV. The thickness of the flexible plastic substrate can be in the range of 10-100 pm.

[0072] In some embodiments, the photovoltaic device further includes a coating or barrier layer on the flexible plastic substrate. The anode 102 and cathode 104 are located above the coating. One purpose of the coating above the flexible plastic substrate is to protect the electrodes and organic layers of the OPV from exposure to harmful substances in the environment, including humidity, vapor, and / or gases, among others. The coating can be deposited above, below, or beside the substrate, electrodes, or any other portion of the device, including the edges. The coating can include a single layer or multiple layers. The coating can be formed by various known chemical vapor deposition techniques and can include compositions having a single phase and compositions having multiple phases. Any suitable material or combination of materials can be used for the coating. The coating can include a glass or a polymer. Inorganic compounds or organic compounds, or both, can be incorporated into the coating. Exemplary coatings include mixtures of polymeric materials with non-polymeric materials, as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,968,146, PCT Patent Application Nos. PCT / US2007 / 023098 and PCT / US2009 / 042829, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. In order to be considered a “mixture,” the aforementioned polymeric and non-polymeric materials making up the barrier layer should be deposited under the same reaction conditions and / or simultaneously deposited. The weight ratio of the polymeric material to the non-polymeric material can be in the range of 95:5 to 5:95. The polymeric material and the non-polymeric material can be produced from the same precursor material. In one example, the mixture of polymeric material and non-polymeric material is composed of polymeric silicon and inorganic silicon.

[0073] As described above, in some embodiments, the OPV can include one or more intermediate layers, such as charge collection and transport intermediate layers located between the anode 102, cathode 104, and active region or layer 106. The intermediate layers 108, 110 can be metal oxides. In certain examples, the intermediate layers 108, 110 include M0O3, V2O5, Z nO or TiO2. In some examples, the first intermediate layer 108 has a similar composition as the second intermediate layer 110. In other examples, the first intermediate layer 108 and the second intermediate layer 110 have different compositions. The thickness of each intermediate layer can be 0.1-100 nm, 1-10 nm, 0.1-10 nm, or 10-100 nm.

[0074] In some embodiments, the active region or layer 106 between the electrodes 102, 104 includes a composition or molecule having an acceptor and a donor. In one embodiment, the photovoltaic device described herein has an organic heterojunction in the active layer 106 between the anode 102 and the cathode 104. The organic heterojunction has a donor or donor material and an acceptor or acceptor material. In some embodiments, the composition can be arranged as acceptor-donor-acceptor (A-D-A).

[0075] In some embodiments, the device includes an encapsulation layer over the anode 102 and the cathode 104. The encapsulation layer can have the same properties or be made of the same materials as the coating layers described above. The encapsulation layer can comprise a single layer or multiple layers. The encapsulation layer can be formed by various known chemical vapor deposition techniques and can include compositions having a single phase and compositions having multiple phases. Any suitable material or combination of materials can be used for the encapsulation layer. The encapsulation layer can comprise a glass or a polymer. Inorganic compounds or organic compounds or both can be incorporated into the encapsulation layer. Preferred encapsulation layers can comprise a mixture of polymeric and non-polymeric materials as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,968,146, PCT Patent Application Nos. PCT / US2007 / 023098 and PCT / US2009 / 042829, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. In one example, the mixture of polymeric and non-polymeric materials is comprised of polymeric silicon and / or inorganic silicon.

[0076] In some embodiments, the encapsulation layer can be the outermost layer of the flexible photovoltaic device and can be configured to help protect the inner layers including the cathode and anode from environmental or other external conditions. In one embodiment, the encapsulation layer can surround the entire flexible photovoltaic device or another protective layer can additionally be provided on top of the encapsulation layer.

[0077] Further, the encapsulation layer can comprise multiple layers, where the multiple layers comprise a plurality of molecular dyads. As used herein, the term "molecular dyad" refers to a pair of layers of different materials. The multiple layers of multiple dyads can help further enhance the protection provided by the encapsulation layer. In one embodiment, the multiple layers of multiple dyads can comprise glass or any other similar material. The multiple layers can comprise any of the materials described with respect to the coating layers described previously herein. The multiple layers can incorporate inorganic compounds or organic compounds or both. The multiple layers can comprise any number of layer dyads, for example between 2 and 10 dyads, or between 3 and 8 dyads, or between 4 and 6 dyads. In one embodiment, the multiple layers of dyads can comprise three dyads. In another embodiment, the multiple layers of dyads can comprise two dyads. Further, each dyad of the multiple layers of dyads can have a particular thickness, which in some embodiments can be in the range of 10-500 nm or between 10 nm and 200 nm, or between 10 nm and 100 nm, or between 10 nm and 50 nm, or between 20 nm and 80 nm, or between 40 nm and 80 nm.

[0078] In some embodiments, the plurality of dyads in the multiple layers can be separated by a polymer located between each dyad. The polymer can be any of a class of natural or synthetic substances composed of large molecules that are multiples of monomers. The polymer can be any of the polymers described previously herein or in the referenced applications or publications. The polymer between each dyad can enable the maximum amount of light to pass through the device. Each polymer layer can have a thickness in the range of 1-10 μιη.

[0079] Reference is now made to Figure 2 , which depicts an example of various layers of a stacked or multi-junction solar cell or organic photovoltaic cell (OPV) 200. The OPV cell can include two electrodes having an anode 202 and a cathode 204 in a superimposed relationship, at least one donor composition and at least one acceptor composition within a plurality of active layers or regions 206A, 206B located between the two electrodes 202, 204. While only two active layers or regions 206A, 206B are depicted in Figure 2 , additional active layers or regions are possible for the inventions described herein. The anode 202 can have any of the same qualities or characteristics described above for the anode 102. The cathode 204 can have any of the same qualities or characteristics described above for the cathode 104. The plurality of active layers or regions 206A and 206B can have any of the same qualities or characteristics described above for the active layer or region 106. The at least one intermediate layer 208 can have any of the same qualities or characteristics described above for the intermediate layers 108 and 110.

[0080] In one embodiment, at least one intermediate layer 208 can be located between the anode 202 and the first active layer 206A. Additionally or alternatively, at least one intermediate layer 210 can be located between the second active layer 206B and the cathode 204. Further, in another embodiment, at least one intermediate layer 212 can be located between the first active layer 206A and the second active layer 206B. The composition, thickness, etc. of each layer can be the same as those discussed above with reference to FIG. 1. Figure 1 The same as those discussed above with reference to FIG. 1.

[0081] In one embodiment, the plurality of active layers or regions 206A, 206B can include an organic heterojunction comprising donor and acceptor materials. In another embodiment, the organic heterojunction can be its own organic layer or part of any other organic layer, so long as it is located between the electrodes. The active regions or layers 106, 206A, 206B located between the electrodes include compositions or molecules having a combination of acceptor and donor. The compositions can be arranged as acceptor-donor-acceptor (A-D-A).

[0082] The OPV 200 can also include an encapsulation layer comprising glass or polymer located above the anode and cathode. As previously mentioned, the encapsulation layer can be composed of multiple bilayers. The multiple bilayers can be separated by a polymer between each bilayer.

[0083] The composition, thickness, etc. of each layer can be the same as those discussed above with reference to FIG. 1. Figure 1 The same as those discussed above with reference to FIG. 1.

[0084] Referring now to Figure 3 Tandem solar cells are an ideal way to efficiently convert the solar spectrum into electrical energy.

[0085] A tandem architecture as outlined in Figure 3 is disclosed. Previous work (see U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 559,488, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) showed a combination of perovskite (or CdTe) and organic tandem solar cells, where the OPV sub-cell receives incident radiation and absorbs lower energy visible and NIR radiation, and the perovskite sub-cell absorbs higher energy visible radiation. However, significant absorption can occur in the OPV sub-cell in the energy range of 500 nm - 650 nm, as the perovskite cell can not fully absorb incident radiation in this energy range on the first pass.

[0086] Referring now to Figure 3An exemplary tandem device 300 is depicted. In some embodiments, the device 300 includes a substrate 301, a back reflector 302 that can be textured over the substrate 301, a lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell 303 or plurality thereof over the reflector, and a higher energy absorbing PV sub-cell 304 or plurality thereof facing incident radiation over the lower energy PV sub-cell 303. In some embodiments, the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell 303 is configured to absorb light in the range of 450 nm to 950 nm and higher or in any sub-range within 450 nm to 950 nm (i.e., 500 nm to 600 nm, 575 nm to 700 nm, etc.). In alternative embodiments, the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell 303 is configured to absorb light in the range of 450 nm to 1200 nm or in any sub-range within 450 nm to 1200 nm. In some embodiments, the higher energy absorbing PV sub-cell 304 is configured to absorb light in the range of 375 nm to 700 nm or in any sub-range within 375 nm to 700 nm (i.e., 450 nm to 550 nm, 475 nm to 600 nm, etc.).

[0087] In some embodiments, the back reflector 302 reflects at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, and 100% of light. In some embodiments, the light can be visible light in the range of 400 nm to 800 nm. In another embodiment, the light can be NIR including light in the range of 400 nm to 1200 nm.

[0088] In some embodiments, the tandem device 300 includes a combination of perovskite (or CdTe) and organic tandem solar cells. In some embodiments, the higher energy absorbing PV sub-cell 304 includes a perovskite, CdTe, CdSeTe, or CIGS sub-cell 304, and the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell 303 includes an OPV sub-cell. In this embodiment, the sub-cell 304 can receive incident radiation and absorb higher energy visible light radiation, and the sub-cell 303 can absorb lower energy visible and NIR radiation. Thus, the remaining light from the sub-cell 304 passes to the OPV sub-cell 303 for partial absorption, and then reflects from the back reflector 302 for a second pass through absorption in the OPV sub-cell 303.

[0089] In some embodiments, the OPV sub-cell 303 has a lower V oc Thus, from an overall efficiency perspective, a higher V ocIt is preferred that the photons absorbed in the higher energy absorbing PV sub-cell 304 are absorbed in that sub-cell rather than in the lower voltage OPV sub-cell. This can be achieved by selecting appropriate organic materials for the acceptor and donor materials that absorb in the NIR but are transparent or semi-transparent in the visible light.

[0090] More specifically, the organic material system can be selected such that the EQE of the OPV sub-cell 303 at 600 nm is less than 10% of its peak EQE, or less than 10% of its peak EQE at 575 nm, or less than 10% of its peak EQE at 550 nm. This will ensure higher overall device efficiency.

[0091] Second, one way to increase the tandem device efficiency is to extend the NIR response of the OPV sub-cell 303. For example, ensure that the long wavelength response has an EQE greater than 50% of the peak EQE at 900 nm, or 950 nm or at 1000 nm and beyond. To ensure current matching and balanced output with the sub-cell 304, the wavelength at which the EQE of the sub-cell 304 is equal to that of the OPV 303 can be extended to 650 nm to 700 nm, 725 nm or greater than 750 nm.

[0092] In some embodiments, the higher energy absorbing PV sub-cell 304 comprises a perovskite, CdTe, CdSeTe or CIGS sub-cell. In some embodiments, the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell 303 comprises an organic (OPV) sub-cell. In some embodiments, the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell 303 comprises two or more PV sub-cells. In some embodiments, the higher energy absorbing PV sub-cell 304 comprises two or more PV sub-cells. In one embodiment, the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell 303 is configured to absorb NIR light. In one embodiment, the higher energy absorbing PV sub-cell 304 is configured to absorb visible light.

[0093] In some embodiments, the device 300 has an open circuit voltage greater than 2.0 V, greater than 2.1 V, greater than 2.2 V and / or greater than 2.3 V under incident AM1.5 illumination.

[0094] In some embodiments, the device 300 comprises vacuum thermal evaporation (VTE) deposited films and / or solution processed films.

[0095] Thin film methods benefit from low cost, low temperature processing and low embedding energy in manufacturing. Considering the available material systems of perovskite, organic, CIGS, CdSeTe and CdTe, only the organic material can absorb well into the near infrared. Therefore, a high efficiency tandem device can be fabricated by combining two sub-cells: organic-perovskite, organic-CdTe, organic-CIGS or organic-CdSeTe.

[0096] In some embodiments, the disclosed device 300 is a novel device in which light enters the top perovskite, CdTe, CdSeTe or CIGS sub-cell 304, which absorbs high energy light and transmits the remaining light to the OPV unit 303 placed closer to the back reflector 302 underneath the perovskite sub-cell 304. That is, in the present embodiments, the OPV sub-cell 303 is positioned as a back cell. In some embodiments, the device is designed where the OPV bottom sub-cell 303 is configured to not absorb at wavelengths that the perovskite, CdTe, CIGS or CdSeTe top sub-cell 304 can absorb in order to maximize device efficiency.

[0097] In some embodiments, the device 300 requires integration of the top and bottom cells. In some embodiments, the interconnection between the cells can be provided by a layer of Ag or ZnO nanoparticles sandwiched between an electron transport layer (ETL) and a hole transport layer (HTL), one of which is in contact with the sub-cell 304 that absorbs higher energy and the other is in contact with the organic sub-cell 303, depending on which one has a cathode or anode facing the interface. This charge generation layer can use one of many different structures as described in previous patents or publications such as Forrest, Organic Electronics: Foundations to Applications, 2020, Section 7.5.2, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0098] In some embodiments, series connection requires current matching between the sub-cells (303, 304). In this case, the current of the sub-cells (303, 304) can be matched by varying the relative thickness of the active area of the sub-cells.

[0099] Alternatively, in some embodiments, two sub-cells (303, 304) can be grown on separate glass substrates and stacked. For example, two or more sub-cells can be grown on separate substrates and then stacked or laminated together. The stacking can be mechanical or via cold-welding of the bottom contacts of the top cell 304 and the top contacts of the bottom cell 303. Either configuration (integrated or with separate substrates) can allow for extraction of the central contact between the sub-cells, enabling two-terminal (2T), three-terminal (3T), and four-terminal (4T) contact configurations, such as described in Forrest, Org Electron, 2020, Fig. 7.14, which is included herein in its entirety by this reference. The 3T and 4T configurations eliminate current matching limitations.

[0100] In some embodiments, the device 300 can be configured as a two-terminal, three-terminal, or four-terminal device. In some embodiments, unlike other devices that use crystalline Si as the NIR absorber, the device 300 can be made on a flexible and lightweight substrate.

[0101] An optical reflective layer 302 can be integrated onto the back of the stack to reflect any unabsorbed IR light back into the cell to increase the current of the OPV cell 303. Current matching can also be achieved by the OPV cell 303 partially absorbing the visible light radiation using an output coupling filter designed for this purpose.

[0102] It is desirable for the visible light to be absorbed in the perovskite, CdTe, CdSeTe, or CIGS sub-cell 304 and not in the OPV sub-cell 303, as for any given absorbed photon, the perovskite, CdTe, CdSeTe, or CIGS sub-cell 304 will produce a higher voltage than the OPV sub-cell 303.

[0103] In some embodiments, the OPV 303 is at least 50% transparent, at least 60% transparent, at least 70% transparent, at least 75% transparent, at least 80% transparent, at least 85% transparent, at least 90% transparent, at least 95% transparent, at least 97% transparent, at least 98% transparent, or at least 99% transparent to light in the spectrum between 380 nm and 700 nm or in the spectrum between 400 nm and 680 nm.

[0104] In some embodiments, the perovskite, CdTe, CdSeTe, or CIGS higher energy sub-cell 304 is at least 50% transparent, at least 60% transparent, at least 70% transparent, at least 75% transparent, at least 80% transparent, at least 85% transparent, at least 90% transparent, at least 95% transparent, at least 97% transparent, at least 98% transparent, or at least 99% transparent to light of any spectrum greater than 700 nm or greater than 750 nm or greater than 800 nm.

[0105] In some embodiments, the stacked solar cell 300 includes two or more sub-cells (303, 304), where one or more sub-cells is an organic 303 and one or more sub-cells is a perovskite, CdTe, CdSeTe, or CIGS 304. In some embodiments, the perovskite, CdTe, CdSeTe, or CIGS sub-cell 304 is placed closest to the incident light (top cell) and absorbs visible light and transmits NIR light to the bottom OPV sub-cell 303. In some embodiments, this can be the only viable path to achieve greater than 30% PCE thin film PV devices. In some embodiments, the top sub-cell 304 has a thickness in the range of 10 nm to 10 pm. In some embodiments, the bottom sub-cell 303 has a thickness in the range of 10 nm to 10 pm.

[0106] In some embodiments, the stacked solar cell 300 includes two or more sub-cells (303, 304), where the sub-cell 304 closest to the incident radiation (top cell) absorbs primarily the visible spectrum and the bottom sub-cell 303 absorbs primarily the NIR spectrum.

[0107] In some embodiments, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the device 300 is greater than 10%, greater than 15%, greater than 18%, greater than 20%, greater than 25%, greater than 30%, or greater than 35%. In some embodiments, the PCE is determined with incident AM1.5 radiation. In some embodiments, the bottom cell 303 is an organic. In some embodiments, the top cell 304 is a perovskite. In some embodiments, the top cell 304 is CdTe, CdSeTe, CIGS, etc., or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the spectral division between the higher energy sub-cell 304 and the lower energy sub-cell 303 is configured to achieve a desired PCE.

[0108] In some embodiments, a charge generation layer (CGL) is deposited between the sub-cells (303, 304). In some embodiments, the CGL includes nanoparticles, such as Ag nanoparticles.

[0109] In some embodiments, the optical reflective layer 302 can be integrated onto the backside of the stack. In some embodiments, one or more optical reflective layers 302 can be textured. The reflective layer 302 can include a regular or substantially regular texture, for example including a two-dimensional repeating pattern of one or more geometric shapes, such as hemispheres, ovoid cross-sections, or other semi-polyhedral shapes. In some embodiments, the reflective layer 302 can have a random texture. In some embodiments, the reflective layer 302 can have a regular or substantially regular texture in one dimension, while having a random texture in an orthogonal dimension. The reflector 302 can be configured to reflect NIR and / or visible light. In some embodiments, the reflector 302 has a reflectivity greater than 70%, greater than 80%, or greater than 90% for wavelengths in the range of 600 nm to 1000 nm. In some embodiments, the reflector 302 has a reflectivity greater than 70%, greater than 80%, or greater than 90% for wavelengths in the range of 600 nm to 1100 nm.

[0110] The one or more reflective layers 302 can include any suitable material, such as silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum, tin, and / or copper. In some embodiments, the textured reflector 302 can include a first reflective layer positioned in contact with the substrate 301, which can be smooth, textured, or substantially smooth, and a second transparent layer positioned between the first reflective layer and the first solar sub-cell 303, where the second transparent layer is independently smooth, textured, or substantially smooth.

[0111] Combinations with other materials

[0112] Materials described herein as being suitable for use in a particular layer in an organic optoelectronic device can be used in combination with a variety of other materials present in the device. Materials described or mentioned below are non-limiting examples of materials that can be used in combination with the compounds disclosed herein, and one of skill in the art can readily consult the literature to identify other materials that can be used in combination.

[0113] Conductive dopant

[0114] Charge transport layers can be doped with electrically conductive dopants to substantially change their charge carrier density, which in turn will change their electrical conductivity. The electrical conductivity is increased by the generation of charge carriers in the matrix material, and depending on the type of dopant, a shift of the Fermi level of the semiconductor can also be achieved. Hole transport layers can be doped with p-type conductive dopants, and n-type conductive dopants are used in electron transport layers.

[0115] Experimental Examples

[0116] The application will now be described with reference to the following examples. These examples are provided for the purpose of illustration only and the application should in no way be construed as being limited to these examples but rather should be interpreted to encompass any and all variations which become apparent in light of the teachings provided herein.

[0117] Without further description, a person of ordinary skill in the art is believed to be capable of utilizing the preceding description and following illustrative examples to make and use the present application and practice the claimed methods. Therefore, the following working examples specifically point out exemplary embodiments of the application and should in no way be construed as limiting the remainder of the disclosure in any way.

[0118] Figure 4 Schematic plot showing simulated external quantum efficiency versus wavelength for a stacked solar cell (perovskite and OPV) that allows for spectral splitting but has significant EQE from the OPV cell in the region of effective absorption by the perovskite (500-650 nm). Further details can be found in Brinkmann et al., 2022.

[0119] References

[0120] The following publications are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

[0121] Che, X., Li, Y., Qu, Y., et al. High fabrication yield organic tandem photovoltaics combining vacuum- and solution-processed subcells with 15% efficiency. Nat Energy 3, 422-427 (2018). DOI: 10.1038 / s41560-018-0134-z

[0122] Xu, C., Ma, X., Zhao, Z., Jiang, M., Hu, Z., Gao, J., Deng, Z., Zhou, Z., An, Q., Zhang, J. and Zhang, F. (2021), Over 17.6% Efficiency Organic Photovoltaic Devices with Two Compatible Polymer Donors. Sol. RRL, 5: 2100175. DOI: 10.1002 / solr.202100175

[0123] Dangqi Fang, Yaqi Li, Structural, electronic, and optical properties of ZnO:ZnSnN2 compounds for optoelectronics and photocatalyst applications, Physics Letters A, Volume 384, Issue 26, 2020, Pages 126670, ISSN 0375-9601, DOI: 10.1016 / j.physleta.2020.126670.

[0124] Dai, X.; Koshy, P.; Sorrell, C.C.; Lim, J.; Yun, J.S. Focussed Review of Utilization of Graphene-Based Materials in Electron Transport Layer in Halide Perovskite Solar Cells: Materials-Based Issues. Energies 2020, 13, 6335. DOI: 10.3390 / en13236335

[0125] Chayanit Wechwithayakhun, Suttipong Wannapaiboon, Sutassana Na-Phattalung, Phisut Narabadeesuphakorn, Similan Tanjindaprateep, Saran Waiprasoet, Thidarat Imyen, Satoshi Horike, and Pichaya Pattanasattayavong Inorganic Chemistry 2021 60 (21), 16149-16159, DOI: 10.1021 / acs.inorgchem.1c01813

[0126] Shah, A., Pandey, R., Nicholson, A., Lustig, Z., Abbas, A., Danielson, A., Walls, J., Munshi, A. and Sampath, W. (2021), Understanding the Role of CdTe in Polycrystalline CdSe xTe1–x / CdTe-Graded Bilayer Photovoltaic Devices. Sol. RRL, 5: 2100523. DOI: 10.1002 / solr.202100523

[0127] Stephen Forrest, Organic Electronics: Foundations to Applications, Oxford University Press, 2020

[0128] U.S. Patent No. 11,889,709, issued January 30, 2024, entitled “Mechanically stacked tandem photovoltaic cells with intermediate optical filters.”

[0129] K. O. Brinkmann, T. Becker, F. Zimmermann, C. Kreusel, T. Gahlmann M. Theisen, T. Haeger, S. Olthof, C. Tückmantel, M. Günster, T. Maschwitz, F. Gobel, C. Koch, D. Hertel, P. Caprioglio, F. Camargo, L. Perdigón-Toro, A. Al-Ashouri, L. Merten, A. Hinderhofer, L. Gomell, S. Zhang, F. Schreiber, S. Albrecht, K. Meerholz, D. Neher, M. Stolterfoht & T. Riedl) page 280, Nature, volume 604, 14 April 2022 C. Koch, D. Hertel, P. Caprioglio, F. K. O. Brinkmann, T. Becker, F. Zimmermann, C. Kreusel, T. Gahlmann M. Theisen, T. Haeger, S. Olthof, C. Tückmantel, M. Günster, T. Maschwitz, F. Gobel, C. Koch, D. Hertel, P. Caprioglio, F. Camargo, L. Perdigón-Toro, A. Al-Ashouri, L. Merten, A. Hinderhofer, L. Gomell, S. Zhang, F. Schreiber, S. Albrecht, K. Meerholz, D. Neher, M. Stolterfoht & T. Riedl) page 280, Nature, volume 604, 14 April 2022

[0130] Yongxi Li, Xia Guob, Zhengxing Peng, Boning Que, Hongping Yan, Harald Adec, Maoji Zhang, and Stephen R. Forrest, “Color-neutral, semitransparent organic photovoltaics for power window applications,” PNAS, September 1, 2020, Vol. 117, No. 35, 21147-21154

[0131] U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 559,488, filed February 29, 2024, entitled “Tandem Organic Perovskite Solar Cell”

[0132] The disclosures of each patent, patent application, and publication cited or described in this document are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Although the foregoing application has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it is readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in this field that various changes and modifications can be contrary to the true spirit and scope of this application, and that such changes and modifications are intended to be subsumed within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that the singular encompasses the plural and vice versa, unless expressly stated otherwise. All technical and scientific terms used herein are to be interpreted according to the customary usage among those of ordinary skill in the field to which this application most nearly pertains.

Claims

1. A stacked photovoltaic (PV) device comprising: a substrate; a reflector layer over the substrate; a lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell comprising an organic sub-cell over the reflector layer; and a higher energy absorbing PV sub-cell comprising a perovskite sub-cell or a CdTe sub-cell over the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell, wherein the device has at least one of a power conversion efficiency (PCE) greater than 30% under incident AM 1.5 radiation and an open circuit voltage greater than 2.2 V under AM 1.5 radiation.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a charge generation layer (CGL) between the PV sub-cells.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises vacuum thermal evaporation (VTE) deposited films or solution processed films.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell or the higher energy absorbing PV sub-cell comprises two or more PV sub-cells.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a two-terminal (2T), three-terminal (3T), or four-terminal (4T) device.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the reflector layer is configured to reflect at least one of NIR and visible light.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the reflector layer is textured.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell is configured to absorb NIR light.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the higher energy absorbing PV sub-cell is configured to absorb visible light.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell has an EQE at 575 nm that is less than 10% of its peak EQE, or an EQE at 600 nm that is less than 10% of its peak EQE.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell has an EQE with a response greater than 50% of its peak EQE at 900 nm or 925 nm or greater.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the wavelength at which the EQE of the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell is equal to the EQE of the higher energy absorbing PV sub-cell is selected from the group consisting of greater than 650 nm, greater than 675 nm, and greater than 700 nm.

13. A product comprising the device of claim 1, the product selected from a display screen, a discrete light source, a lighting panel, a flat panel display, a curved display, a computer monitor, a medical monitor, a television, a sign, a lamp for interior or exterior lighting and / or signaling, a heads-up display, a fully transparent or partially transparent display, a flexible display, a rollable display, a foldable display, a stretchable display, a laser printer, a telephone, a cellular phone, a tablet computer, a phablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wearable device, a laptop computer, a digital camera, a video camera, a viewfinder, a microdisplay with a diagonal less than 2 inches, a 3-D display, a virtual reality or augmented reality display, a vehicle, a video wall comprising a plurality of displays tiled together, a theater or stadium screen, a sign, an electronic component module, a lighting panel, a solar cell, a lightweight solar cell, a flexible solar cell, a solar cell integrated with a thin film electronic device, a thin film power source, a solar farm, a sensor, a radio receiver / transmitter, an audio producing device, a computing device, an IT device, a shelf label, a window, a wall, or a roof.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the reflector layer reflects at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% of light in the range of 400 nm to 1200 nm.

15. A stacked photovoltaic (PV) device comprising: a substrate; a reflector layer over the substrate; a PV sub-cell absorbing lower energy above the reflective layer; and a higher energy absorbing PV sub-cell over the lower energy absorbing PV sub-cell; wherein the device has a PCE greater than 30% and an open circuit voltage greater than 2.2 V under incident AM 1.5 radiation.

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