Work

Controlling the Concentration of Copper Sulfide Doped with Silver Metal Nanoparticles as a Mechanism to Improve Photon Harvesting in Polymer Solar Cells

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The development of thin-film organic solar cells (TFOSCs) is pivotal for advancing sustainable energy technologies because of their potential for low-cost, lightweight, and flexible photovoltaic applications. In this study, silver-doped copper sulfide (CuS/Ag) metal nanoparticles (MNPs) were successfully synthesized via a wet chemical method. These CuS/Ag MNPs were incorporated at varying concentrations into a poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) blend, serving as the active layer to enhance the photovoltaic performance of the TFOSCs. The fabricated TFOSC devices were systematically evaluated based on the optical, electrical, and morphological characteristics of the active layer. By varying the concentration of CuS/Ag MNPs, the influence of nanoparticle doping on photocurrent generation was investigated. The device incorporating 1% CuS/Ag MNPs exhibited the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.28%, significantly outperforming the pristine reference device, which achieved a PCE of 2.53%. This enhancement is attributed to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), which augments charge transport and increases optical absorption. The CuS/Ag MNPs were characterized using ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive dispersion (EDX) analysis. These findings underscore the potential of CuS/Ag MNPs in revolutionizing TFOSCs, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable solar energy solutions.

Source: Processes

DOI: 10.3390/pr13092922

Authors: Jude N. Ike, Xhamla Nqoro, Genene Tessema Mola, Raymond Tichaona Taziwa

Institutions: Walter Sisulu University, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Language: English

Topic: Organic Electronics and Photovoltaics

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896