Rational Design of Highly Efficient Semi-Transparent Organic Photovoltaics with Silver Nanowire Top Electrode via 3D Optical Simulation Study

A key factor in improving semi-transparent organic photovoltaics (ST-OPVs) performance is achieving high light utilization efficiency (LUE). However, device performance can also be limited by the lack of understanding of light transmission and reflection within the device architecture, and the transmission of the top electrode in particular. Here, highly efficient ST-OPVs are reported via the rational design of silver nanowire (Ag NW) top electrodes via 3D optical simulation. Due to its careful consideration for the ST-OPV of the effect of the Ag NW networking structure, estimated average visible transmission (AVT) and ideal short-circuit current density values from 3D optical simulation closely match those from actual measurements. Optimized ST-OPVs with Ag NW porosity of 20% and active layer thickness of 150 nm exhibit LUE of 4.15% with a power conversion efficiency of 9.7% and AVT of 42.82%. This work achieves a record-high LUE in ST-OPVs reported to date and the first report introducing a 3D optical simulation study.