Improved efficiency of MEH-PPV:PCBM solar cells by the use of ZnS nano-particles

Zinc sulphide (ZnS) nano-particles (~10 nm) have been synthesized and incorporated in poly(2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene) (MEH-PPV) for photovoltaic applications. Incorporation of ZnS nano-particles in MEH-PPV improved the photovoltaic performance, as they work as electron acceptors and provide better electron transport in the matrix. ZnS nano-particles have also been dispersed in MEH-PPV along with phenyl [6,6′] C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). Incorporation of optimum amount of ZnS nano-particles in MEH-PPV:PCBM system resulted into further increase in the power conversion efficiency compared to that in their absence. This improvement in the efficiency has been attributed to additional better pathways for electron transportation.