In thin-film and electrochemical solar cells, the energy barrier at the interface between different layers is a limiting bottle-neck for efficient charge collection in the devices. To achieve high efficiency, innovators are engineering new materials and interfaces. However, changing the materials and structures can affect the overall performance of the device. The technique developed by USF inventors employs a piezoelectric material in the structure of the devices. The invention modifies the energy barrier at the interface by using either external mechanical forces or initial stress in the layer. Modifying the energy barrier can enhance the charge transfer from the photoactive layer, increasing the energy conversion efficiency in the solar cells. This piezoelectric photovoltaic device is applicable to the development of a more efficient and effective solar cell technology.
Using the Piezoelectric Effect of ZnO NWs in Modifying the Energy Barrier in OPVs and DSSCs