Optimization of the Active Layer Thickness for Inverted Ternary Organic Solar Cells Achieves 20% Efficiency with Simulation

Energy harvesting from cleaner sources and preserving the environment from dangerous gasses are presently the key priorities globally to maintain sustainable development. In this context, photovoltaic technology plays a vital role in generating energy from ternary organic solar cells. Ternary organic solar cells display significant potential for achieving outstanding photovoltaic performance compared to binary structures. Over the past few years, significant endeavors to develop novel organic materials have led to a consistent rise in efficiency, surpassing 19% for single-junction devices. In our study, we simulated an inverted ternary organic solar cell (TOSC) structure employing the one-dimensional optical and drift diffusion model and using “Oghma-Nano 8.0.034” software by optimizing the active blend thickness at 80 nm within the structure of ITO/SnO₂/PM6:D18:L8-BO/PEDOT:PSS/Ag. We simulated different performance parameters such as EQE, Photo-CELIV, PCE, J_sc, V_oc, and FF with different active layer thicknesses ranging from 50 to 200 nm to discover the behavior of the device in terms of efficiency parameters. Furthermore, the structure attained a PCE of 20% for an active layer thickness of 80 nm within a J_sc of 27.2 mA cm⁻², a V_oc of 0.89 V, and an FF of 82.3%. This approach can potentially be valuable in constructing a highly effective TOSC model in the laboratory.