Effect of monolayer-protected Ag nanoparticles and nature of self-assembled monolayers on organic hetero-junction solar cells

We investigate the effect of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) anchored silver nano-particles (Ag-NPs) on an organic solar cell consisting of zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) as an active layer. Strong dependence of short circuit current and power conversion efficiencies on monolayer properties and nature of organization of nanoparticles is observed. Higher conductivities of aromatic SAMs and the increased local electrical field experienced by the active layer in presence of Ag-NPs act in synergy towards the higher population of excitons and dissipation of charge.