Integrating nanostructured electrodes in organic photovoltaic devices for enhancing near-infrared photoresponse

We introduce a simple methodology to integrate prefabricated nanostructured-electrodes in solution-processed organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. The tailored “photonic electrode” nanostructure is used for light management in the device and for hole collection. This approach opens up new possibilities for designing photonically active structures that can enhance the absorption of sub-bandgap photons in the active layer. We discuss the design, fabrication and characterization of photonic electrodes, and the methodology for integrating them to OPV devices using a simple lamination technique. We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that OPV devices using photonic electrodes show a factor of ca. 5 enhancement in external quantum efficiency (EQE) in the near infrared region. We use simulations to trace this observed efficiency enhancement to surface plasmon polariton modes in the nanostructure. [Display omitted] •A strategy for designing and incorporating nanostructured plasmonic gratings into organic photovoltaics is presented.•The fabricated nanostructured plasmonic grating results in enhanced subgap photon absorption by the active layer.•The strategy includes a roll-to-roll compatible lamination process and provides inherent encapsulation of the device.