Photoelectron spectroscopy and modeling of interface properties related to organic photovoltaic cells

In this short review, we will give examples on how photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) assisted by models on interface energetics can be used to study properties important to bulk heterojunction type organic photovoltaic devices focusing on the well-known bulk heterojunction blend of poly(3-hexylthiophene):[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) and its model system P3HT:C60. We also will discuss some of the limitations of PES as applied to organic semiconductors (OS) and photovoltaic devices and finish with reviewing recent theoretical advances that now enable calculation of relevant parameters at (hybrid) interfaces measured by PES.