Transparent electrodes for organic solar cells based on thin silver coatings

Transparent silver electrodes based on thin films are a cost-effective alternative to ITO, since they can be deposited onto large area surfaces of glass or plastic film with no need for heat treatment. Such coatings provide high optical transmission, especially in the visible light wavelength region, as well as having excellent electrical conductivity. The silver coating is here embedded in the dielectric layers. When selecting a dielectric layer material, due consideration must be given to the durability of the electrode used in the solar cell. In particular, the dielectric layers used with PEDOT.PSS must be acid-resistant. The Work Function of the electrode can be matched to the dielectric layers used.