Cascade donor-acceptor organic ferroelectric layers, between graphene sheets, for solar cell applications

TL;DR

This paper models organic ferroelectric layers between graphene sheets for solar cells, highlighting their cascade energy alignment, dual donor-acceptor roles, charge-transfer excitons, and electrode polarization effects that can enhance device performance.

Contribution

It introduces a novel layered structure with unique electronic and ferroelectric properties for improved solar cell applications.

Findings

Cascade energy-level alignment facilitates charge transfer.

Dual donor-acceptor character enhances charge separation.

Significant work-function changes improve electrode performance.

Abstract

Organic ferroelectric layers sandwiched between the graphene sheets are presented as a model of the solar cell. The investigated systems display many advantageous properties: 1) the cascade energy-levels alignment, 2) simultaneous donor and acceptor character depending on the charge-carrier direction, 3) the charge-transfer excitonic type, 4) the induced polarization of the electrodes, leading to a substantial work-function change of the anode and cathode - around +/-1.5 eV, respectively.