1
|
Go E, Jin H, Yoon S, Ahn H, Kim J, Lim C, Kim JH, Din HU, Lee JH, Jun Y, Yu H, Son HJ. Spectrally Resolved Exciton Polarizability for Understanding Charge Generation in Organic Bulk Hetero-Junction Diodes. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:14724-14733. [PMID: 38757532 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Despite decades of research, the dominant charge generation mechanism in organic bulk heterojunction (BHJ) devices is not completely understood. While the local dielectric environments of the photoexcited molecules are important for exciton dissociation, conventional characterizations cannot separately measure the polarizability of electron-donor and electron-acceptor, respectively, in their blends, making it difficult to decipher the spectrally different charge generation efficiencies in organic BHJ devices. Here, by spectrally resolved electroabsorption spectroscopy, we report extraction of the excited state polarizability for individual donors and acceptors in a series of organic blend films. Regardless of the donor and acceptor, we discovered that larger exciton polarizability is linked to larger π-π coherence length and faster charge transfer across the heterojunction, which fundamentally explains the origin of the higher charge generation efficiency near 100% in the BHJ photodiodes. We also show that the molecular packing of the donor and acceptor influence each other, resulting in a synergetic enhancement in the exciton polarizability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enoch Go
- Advanced Photovoltaics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Energy and Environment (KU-KIST GREEN SCHOOL), Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjung Jin
- Advanced Photovoltaics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Energy and Environment (KU-KIST GREEN SCHOOL), Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongwon Yoon
- Advanced Photovoltaics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungju Ahn
- Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Joonsoo Kim
- Department of Energy Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanwoo Lim
- Advanced Photovoltaics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hee Kim
- Department of Energy Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physics, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Haleem Ud Din
- Computational Science Research Center, KIST, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hoon Lee
- Computational Science Research Center, KIST, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongseok Jun
- Graduate School of Energy and Environment (KU-KIST GREEN SCHOOL), Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonggeun Yu
- Advanced Photovoltaics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Nanoscience and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Jung Son
- Advanced Photovoltaics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Energy and Environment (KU-KIST GREEN SCHOOL), Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen X, Li Y, Jing W, Zhou T, Xu X, Duan Y, Yu L, Li R, Peng Q. Layer-by-Layer Organic Solar Cells Enabled by 1,3,4-Selenadiazole-Containing Crystalline Small Molecule with Double-Fibril Network Morphology. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202402831. [PMID: 38532290 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202402831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
A double-fibril network of the photoactive layer morphology is recognized as an ideal structure facilitating exciton diffusion and charge carrier transport for high-performance organic solar cells (OSCs). However, in the layer-by-layer processed OSCs (LbL-OSCs), polymer donors and small molecule acceptors (SMAs) are separately deposited, and it is challenging to realize a fibril network of pure SMAs with the absence of tight interchain entanglement as polymers. In this work, crystalline small molecule donors (SMDs), named TDZ-3TR and SeDZ-3TR, were designed and introduced into the L8-BO acceptor solution, forcing the phase separation and molecular fibrilization. SeDZ-3TR showed higher crystallinity and lower miscibility with L8-BO acceptor than TDZ-3TR, enabling more driving force to favor the phase separation and better molecular fibrilization of L8-BO. On the other hand, two donor polymers of PM6 and D18 with different fibril widths and lengths were put together to optimize the fibril network of the donor layer. The simultaneously optimization of the acceptor and donor layers resulted in a more ideal double-fibril network of the photoactive layer and an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.38 % in LbL-OSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuyang Chen
- School of Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Yinfeng Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Wenwen Jing
- School of Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Tao Zhou
- School of Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Xiaopeng Xu
- School of Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Yuwei Duan
- College of Materials and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, P. R. China
| | - Liyang Yu
- School of Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Ruipeng Li
- National Synchrotron Light Source II Brookhaven National Lab, Suffolk, Upton, NY-11973, USA
| | - Qiang Peng
- School of Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
- College of Materials and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang T, Yuk Lin Lai J, Shi M, Li Q, Zhang C, Yan H. Data Cleansing and Sub-Unit-Based Molecular Description Enable Accurate Prediction of The Energy Levels of Non-Fullerene Acceptors Used in Organic Solar Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308652. [PMID: 38386329 PMCID: PMC11077656 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) have recently emerged as pivotal materials for enhancing the efficiency of organic solar cells (OSCs). To further advance OSC efficiency, precise control over the energy levels of NFAs is imperative, necessitating the development of a robust computational method for accurate energy level predictions. Unfortunately, conventional computational techniques often yield relatively large errors, typically ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 electronvolts (eV), when predicting energy levels. In this study, the authors present a novel method that not only expedites energy level predictions but also significantly improves accuracy , reducing the error margin to 0.06 eV. The method comprises two essential components. The first component involves data cleansing, which systematically eliminates problematic experimental data and thereby minimizes input data errors. The second component introduces a molecular description method based on the electronic properties of the sub-units comprising NFAs. The approach simplifies the intricacies of molecular computation and demonstrates markedly enhanced prediction performance compared to the conventional density functional theory (DFT) method. Our methodology will expedite research in the field of NFAs, serving as a catalyst for the development of similar computational approaches to address challenges in other areas of material science and molecular research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- Department of ComputingThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University11 Yuk Choi Road, Hung Hom, KLNHong Kong999077China
| | - Joshua Yuk Lin Lai
- Department of ChemistryHong Kong University of Science and TechnologyClear Water Bay, KowloonHong Kong999077China
| | - Mingzhe Shi
- Department of ComputingThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University11 Yuk Choi Road, Hung Hom, KLNHong Kong999077China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of ComputingThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University11 Yuk Choi Road, Hung Hom, KLNHong Kong999077China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Department of ComputingThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University11 Yuk Choi Road, Hung Hom, KLNHong Kong999077China
| | - He Yan
- Department of ChemistryHong Kong University of Science and TechnologyClear Water Bay, KowloonHong Kong999077China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li R, Hu Y, Xu Y, Wang C, Li X, Liang S, Liu B, Li W. Dimerized Nonfused Electron Acceptor Based on a Thieno[3,4- c]pyrrole-4,6-dione Core for Organic Solar Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:22256-22264. [PMID: 38651607 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c01354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
In this work, the first dimerized nonfused electron acceptor (NFEA), based on thieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione as the core, has been designed and synthesized. The dimerized acceptor and its single counterpart exhibit similar energy levels but different absorption spectra due to their distinct aggregation behavior. The dimerized acceptor-based organic solar cells (OSCs) demonstrate a higher power conversion efficiency of 11.05%, accompanied by enhanced thermal stability. This improvement is attributed to the enhancement of the short-circuit current density and fill factor, along with an increase in the glass transition temperature. Characterizations of exciton dynamics and film morphology reveal that a dimerized acceptor-based device possesses an enhanced exciton dissociation efficiency and a well-established charge transport pathway, explaining its improved photovoltaic performance. All these results indicate that the dimerized NFEA as a promising candidate can achieve efficiency-stability-cost balance in OSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruonan Li
- School of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, P. R. China
| | - Yuandu Hu
- School of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, P. R. China
| | - Yunhua Xu
- School of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, P. R. China
| | - Chao Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering & State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Xin Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering & State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Shijie Liang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering & State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Baiqiao Liu
- Research Center for Frontier Fundamental Studies, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Weiwei Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering & State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gibert-Roca M, Casademont-Viñas M, Liu Q, Vandewal K, Goñi AR, Campoy-Quiles M. RAINBOW Organic Solar Cells: Implementing Spectral Splitting in Lateral Multi-Junction Architectures. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2212226. [PMID: 36944218 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202212226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
While multi-junction geometries have the potential to boost the efficiency of organic solar cells, the experimental gains yet obtained are still very modest. This work proposes an alternative spectral splitting device concept in which various individual semiconducting junctions with cascading bandgaps are laid side by side, thus the name RAINBOW. Each lateral sub-cell receives a fraction of the spectrum that closely matches the main absorption band of the given semiconductor. Here, simulations are used to identify the important material and device properties of each RAINBOW sub-cell. Using the resulting design rules, three systems are selected, with narrow, medium, and wide effective bandgaps, and their potential as sub-cells in this geometry is experimentally investigated. With the aid of a custom-built setup that generates spectrally spread sunlight on demand, the simulations are experimentally validated, showing that this geometry can lead to a reduction in thermalization losses and an improvement in light harvesting, which results in a relative improvement in efficiency of 46.6% with respect to the best sub-cell. Finally, a working proof-of-concept monolithic device consisting of two sub-cells deposited from solution on the same substrate is fabricated, thus demonstrating the feasibility and the potential of the RAINBOW solar cell concept.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martí Gibert-Roca
- Dept. of Nanostructured Materials, Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), E-08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Miquel Casademont-Viñas
- Dept. of Nanostructured Materials, Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), E-08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Quan Liu
- IMO-IMOMEC, Hasselt University, Wetenschapspark 1, BE3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Koen Vandewal
- IMO-IMOMEC, Hasselt University, Wetenschapspark 1, BE3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | | | - Mariano Campoy-Quiles
- Dept. of Nanostructured Materials, Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), E-08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sun W, Wang L, Fu Y, Guo C, Zhou J, Chen C, Liu C, Gan Z, Yan K, Li W. Brominated Quaternary Ammonium Salt-Assisted Hybrid Electron Transport Layer for High-Performance Conventional Organic Solar Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024. [PMID: 38656920 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c02150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Interlayer engineering is crucial for achieving efficient and stable organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, by introducing a commercialized brominated quaternary ammonium salt, hexamethonium bromide (HB), into a perylene diimide (PDI)-structured electron transport layer (ETL), a PDINN:HB hybrid ETL with enhanced charge collection ability and environmental/operational stability is realized. Molecular dynamics simulations and Kelvin probe force microscopy indicate that strong polar bromine and amine groups can form extra interfacial dipoles in the hybrid interlayer, while X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance suggest the hybrid ETL can interact with the Ag cathode, thereby regulating the energy level arrangement at the interface. As for the results, the PDINN:HB hybrid ETL enables improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 17.8 to 18.4% and 18.8 to 19.4% in PM6:C5-16 bulk heterojunction- and PM6/L8-BO pseudobulk heterojunction-based OSCs, respectively. The versatility of this method is further verified by introducing a range of brominated quaternary ammonium salts into PDINN, in which a superior PCE and stability are all obtained compared to the reference device.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Sun
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Liang Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yiwei Fu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chuanhang Guo
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chen Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chenhao Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zirui Gan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Kui Yan
- School of Materials and Microelectronics, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Wei Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang C, Wang H, Sun X, Zhong X, Wei Y, Xu R, Wang K, Hu H, Xiao M. An Indacenodithienothiophene-Based Wide Bandgap Small Molecule Guest for Efficient and Stable Ternary Organic Solar Cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2400826. [PMID: 38634190 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202400826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The strategic and logical development of the third component (guest materials) plays a pivotal and intricate role in improving the efficiency and stability of ternary organic solar cells (OSCs). In this study, a novel guest material with a wide bandgap, named IDTR, is designed, synthesized, and incorporated as the third component. IDTR exhibits complementary absorption characteristics and cascade band alignment with the PM6:Y6 binary system. Morphological analysis reveals that the introduction of IDTR results in strong crystallinity, good miscibility, and proper vertical phase distribution, thereby realizing heightened and balanced charge transport behavior. Remarkably, the novel ternary OSCs have exhibited a significant enhancement in photovoltaic performance. Consequently, open-circuit voltage (VOC), short-circuit current (JSC), and fill factor (FF) have all witnessed substantial improvements with a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.94% when L8-BO replaced Y6. Beyond the pronounced improvement in photovoltaic performance, superior device stability with a T80 approaching 400 h is successfully achieved. This achievement is attributed to the synergistic interplay of IDTR, providing robust support for the overall enhancement of performance. These findings offer crucial guidance and reference for the design and development of efficient and stable OSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenyang Zhang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, Shangdong, 266000, P. R. China
- Hoffmann Institute of Advanced Materials, Shenzhen Polytechnic University, 7098 Liuxian Boulevard, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
- Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Han Wang
- School of Management, Xián Polytechnic University, Xián, 710048, P. R. China
| | - Xiaokang Sun
- Hoffmann Institute of Advanced Materials, Shenzhen Polytechnic University, 7098 Liuxian Boulevard, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Xiuzun Zhong
- Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Yulin Wei
- Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Ruida Xu
- Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Kai Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, Shangdong, 266000, P. R. China
- Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Hanlin Hu
- Hoffmann Institute of Advanced Materials, Shenzhen Polytechnic University, 7098 Liuxian Boulevard, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Mingjia Xiao
- The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, 324000, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yang S, Chen Z, Zhu J, Yang D, Wang H, Ding P, Wu J, Yan P, Xie L, Chen F, Wang Y, Zhang J, Ge Z. Guest Acceptors with Lower Electrostatic Potential in Ternary Organic Solar Cells for Minimizing Voltage Losses. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2401789. [PMID: 38577904 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202401789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The ternary strategy, in which one guest component is introduced into one host binary system, is considered to be one of the most effective ways to realize high-efficiency organic solar cells (OSCs). To date, there is no efficient method to predict the effectiveness of guest components in ternary OSCs. Herein, three guest compositions (i.e., ANF-1, ANF-2 and ANF-3) with different electrostatic potential (ESP) are designed and synthesized by modulating the electron-withdrawing ability of the terminal groups through density functional theory simulations. The effects of the introduction of guest component into the host system (D18:N3) on the photovoltaic properties are investigated. The theoretical and experimental studies provide a key rule for guest acceptor in ternary OSCs to improve the open-circuit voltage, that is, the larger ESP difference between the guest and host acceptor, the stronger the intermolecular interactions and the higher the miscibility, which improves the luminescent efficiency of the blend film and the electroluminescence quantum yield (EQEEL) of the device by reducing the aggregation-caused-quenching, thereby effectively decreasing the non-radiative voltage loss of ternary OSCs. This work will greatly contribute to the development of highly efficient guest components, thereby promoting the rapid breakthrough of the 20% efficiency bottleneck for single-junction OSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuncheng Yang
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Energy Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
| | - Zhenyu Chen
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Energy Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jintao Zhu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | - Daobin Yang
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Energy Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hongqian Wang
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Energy Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Pengfei Ding
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Energy Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Energy Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
| | - Pengyu Yan
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Energy Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
| | - Lin Xie
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Energy Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | - Yuming Wang
- Institute for Materials Research (IMO-IMOMEC), Hasselt University, Wetenschapspark 1, Diepenbeek, 3590, Belgium
| | - Jianqi Zhang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Ziyi Ge
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Energy Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li Y, Qi F, Fan B, Liu KK, Yu J, Fu Y, Liu X, Wang Z, Zhang S, Lu G, Lu X, Fan Q, Chow PCY, Ma W, Lin FR, Jen AKY. Eliminating the Burn-in Loss of Efficiency in Organic Solar Cells by Applying Dimer Acceptors as Supramolecular Stabilizers. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2313393. [PMID: 38573779 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The meta-stable active layer morphology of organic solar cells (OSCs) is identified as the main cause of the rapid burn-in loss of power conversion efficiency (PCE) during long-term device operation. However, effective strategies to eliminate the associated loss mechanisms from the initial stage of device operation are still lacking, especially for high-efficiency material systems. Herein, the introduction of molecularly engineered dimer acceptors with adjustable thermal transition properties into the active layer of OSCs to serve as supramolecular stabilizers for regulating the thermal transitions and optimizing the crystallization of the absorber composites is reported. By establishing intimate π-π interactions with small-molecule acceptors, these stabilizers can effectively reduce the trap-state density (Nt) in the devices to achieve excellent PCEs over 19%. More importantly, the low Nt associated with an initially optimized morphology can be maintained under external stresses to significantly reduce the PCE burn-in loss in devices. This research reveals a judicious approach to improving OPV stability by establishing a comprehensive correlation between material properties, active-layer morphology, and device performance, for developing burn-in-free OSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanxun Li
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Feng Qi
- Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, P. R. China
| | - Baobing Fan
- Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Kai-Kai Liu
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jifa Yu
- Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Yuang Fu
- Department of Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Xianzhao Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Sen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Guanghao Lu
- Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Xinhui Lu
- Department of Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Qunping Fan
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Philip C Y Chow
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Wei Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Francis R Lin
- Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Alex K-Y Jen
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ahmadpour M, Ahmad M, Prete M, Hansen JL, Miakota DI, Greenbank W, Zheng YJ, Top M, Ebel T, Rubahn HG, Turkovic V, Canulescu S, Witkowski N, Madsen M. Tuning Surface Defect States in Sputtered Titanium Oxide Electron Transport Layers for Enhanced Stability of Organic Photovoltaics. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:16580-16588. [PMID: 38529895 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) have dramatically improved the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic photovoltaics (OPV) in recent years; however, their device stability currently remains a bottleneck for further technological progress. Photocatalytic decomposition of nonfullerene acceptor molecules at metal oxide electron transport layer (ETL) interfaces has in several recent reports been demonstrated as one of the main degradation mechanisms for these high-performing OPV devices. While some routes for mitigating such degradation effects have been proposed, e.g., through a second layer integrated on the ETL surface, no clear strategy that complies with device scale-up and application requirements has been presented to date. In this work, it is demonstrated that the development of sputtered titanium oxide layers as ETLs in nonfullerene acceptor based OPV can lead to significantly enhanced device lifetimes. This is achieved by tuning the concentration of defect states at the oxide surface, via the reactive sputtering process, to mitigate the photocatalytic decomposition of NFA molecules at the metal oxide interlayers. Reduced defect state formation at the oxide surface is confirmed through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies, while the reduced photocatalytic decomposition of nonfullerene acceptor molecules is confirmed via optical spectroscopy investigations. The PBDB-T:ITIC organic solar cells show power conversion efficiencies of around 10% and significantly enhanced photostability. This is achieved through a reactive sputtering process that is fully scalable and industry compatible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehrad Ahmadpour
- Mads Clausen Institute, Center for Advanced Photovoltaics and Thin Film Energy Devices (SDU CAPE), University of Southern Denmark, So̷nderborg 6400, Denmark
- SDU Climate Cluster, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark
| | - Mariam Ahmad
- Mads Clausen Institute, Center for Advanced Photovoltaics and Thin Film Energy Devices (SDU CAPE), University of Southern Denmark, So̷nderborg 6400, Denmark
- SDU Climate Cluster, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark
| | - Michela Prete
- Mads Clausen Institute, Center for Advanced Photovoltaics and Thin Film Energy Devices (SDU CAPE), University of Southern Denmark, So̷nderborg 6400, Denmark
- SDU Climate Cluster, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark
| | - John Lundsgaard Hansen
- Department of Physics and Astronomy/Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNano), Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 120, Aarhus C DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Denys I Miakota
- Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde DK-4000, Denmark
| | - William Greenbank
- Centre for Industrial Electronics, Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, Alsion 2, So̷nderborg DK-6400, Denmark
| | - Yunlin Jacques Zheng
- UMR CNRS 7588, Institut des Nanosciences de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris F-75005, France
| | - Michiel Top
- Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP, Winterbergstrasse 28, Dresden 01277, Germany
| | - Thomas Ebel
- Centre for Industrial Electronics, Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, Alsion 2, So̷nderborg DK-6400, Denmark
| | - Horst-Günter Rubahn
- University of Southern Denmark, SDU NanoSYD, Mads Clausen Institute, So̷nderborg 6400, Denmark
| | - Vida Turkovic
- Mads Clausen Institute, Center for Advanced Photovoltaics and Thin Film Energy Devices (SDU CAPE), University of Southern Denmark, So̷nderborg 6400, Denmark
- SDU Climate Cluster, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark
| | - Stela Canulescu
- Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde DK-4000, Denmark
| | - Nadine Witkowski
- UMR CNRS 7588, Institut des Nanosciences de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris F-75005, France
| | - Morten Madsen
- Mads Clausen Institute, Center for Advanced Photovoltaics and Thin Film Energy Devices (SDU CAPE), University of Southern Denmark, So̷nderborg 6400, Denmark
- SDU Climate Cluster, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yi F, Xiao M, Meng Y, Bai H, Su W, Gao W, Yao ZF, Qi G, Liang Z, Jin C, Tang L, Zhang R, Yan L, Liu Y, Zhu W, Ma W, Fan Q. Non-Fully Conjugated Dimerized Giant Acceptors with Different Alkyl-Linked Sites for Stable and 19.13 % Efficiency Organic Solar Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202319295. [PMID: 38335036 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202319295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Achieving both high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and device stability is a major challenge for the practical development of organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, three non-fully conjugated dimerized giant acceptors (named 2Y-sites, including wing-site-linked 2Y-wing, core-site-linked 2Y-core, and end-site-linked 2Y-end) are developed. They share the similar monomer precursors but have different alkyl-linked sites, offering the fine-tuned molecular absorption, packing, glass transition temperature, and carrier mobility. Among their binary active layers, D18/2Y-wing has better miscibility, leading to optimized morphology and more efficient charge transfer compared to D18/2Y-core and D18/2Y-end. Therefore, the D18/2Y-wing-based OSCs achieve a superior PCE of 17.73 %, attributed to enhanced photocurrent and fill factor. Furthermore, the D18/2Y-wing-based OSCs exhibit a balance of high PCE and improved stability, distinguishing them within the 2Y-sites. Building on the success of 2Y-wing in binary systems, we extend its application to ternary OSCs by pairing it with the near-infrared absorbing D18/BS3TSe-4F host. Thanks to the complementary absorption within 300-970 nm and further optimized morphology, ternary OSCs obtain a higher PCE of 19.13 %, setting a new efficiency benchmark for the dimer-derived OSCs. This approach of alkyl-linked site engineering for constructing dimerized giant acceptors presents a promising pathway to improve both PCE and stability of OSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yi
- College of Chemistry, Key Lab of Environment-Friendly Chemistry and Application (Ministry of Education), Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Manjun Xiao
- College of Chemistry, Key Lab of Environment-Friendly Chemistry and Application (Ministry of Education), Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105
| | - Yongdie Meng
- College of Chemistry, Key Lab of Environment-Friendly Chemistry and Application (Ministry of Education), Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105
| | - Hairui Bai
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Wenyan Su
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Institute of Luminescent Materials and Information Displays, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Ze-Fan Yao
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | | | - Zezhou Liang
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education & Shaanxi, Key Lab of Photonic Technique for Information, School of Electronics Science & Engineering, Faculty of Electronic and Information Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Conggui Jin
- College of Chemistry, Key Lab of Environment-Friendly Chemistry and Application (Ministry of Education), Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105
| | - Lingxiao Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University, Linköping, SE-58183, Sweden
| | - Lihe Yan
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education & Shaanxi, Key Lab of Photonic Technique for Information, School of Electronics Science & Engineering, Faculty of Electronic and Information Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Yuhang Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Weiguo Zhu
- Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory of Light-Electricity-Heat Energy-Converting Materials and Applications, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou, 213164, China
| | - Wei Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Qunping Fan
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tang H, Bai Y, Zhao H, Qin X, Hu Z, Zhou C, Huang F, Cao Y. Interface Engineering for Highly Efficient Organic Solar Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2212236. [PMID: 36867581 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202212236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Organic solar cells (OSCs) have made dramatic advancements during the past decades owing to the innovative material design and device structure optimization, with power conversion efficiencies surpassing 19% and 20% for single-junction and tandem devices, respectively. Interface engineering, by modifying interface properties between different layers for OSCs, has become a vital part to promote the device efficiency. It is essential to elucidate the intrinsic working mechanism of interface layers, as well as the related physical and chemical processes that manipulate device performance and long-term stability. In this article, the advances in interface engineering aimed to pursue high-performance OSCs are reviewed. The specific functions and corresponding design principles of interface layers are summarized first. Then, the anode interface layer, cathode interface layer in single-junction OSCs, and interconnecting layer of tandem devices are discussed in separate categories, and the interface engineering-related improvements on device efficiency and stability are analyzed. Finally, the challenges and prospects associated with application of interface engineering are discussed with the emphasis on large-area, high-performance, and low-cost device manufacturing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Tang
- Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology (SCUT), Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Yuanqing Bai
- Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology (SCUT), Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Haiyang Zhao
- Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology (SCUT), Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Xudong Qin
- Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology (SCUT), Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Zhicheng Hu
- Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology (SCUT), Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology (SCUT), Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Fei Huang
- Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology (SCUT), Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Yong Cao
- Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology (SCUT), Guangzhou, 510640, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Xu R, Jiang Y, Liu F, Ran G, Liu K, Zhang W, Zhu X. High Open-Circuit Voltage Organic Solar Cells with 19.2% Efficiency Enabled by Synergistic Side-Chain Engineering. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2312101. [PMID: 38544433 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202312101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Restricted by the energy-gap law, state-of-the-art organic solar cells (OSCs) exhibit relatively low open-circuit voltage (VOC) because of large nonradiative energy losses (ΔEnonrad). Moreover, the trade-off between VOC and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of OSCs is more distinctive; the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of OSCs are still <15% with VOCs of >1.0 V. Herein, the electronic properties and aggregation behaviors of non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) are carefully considered and then a new NFA (Z19) is delicately designed by simultaneously introducing alkoxy and phenyl-substituted alkyl chains to the conjugated backbone. Z19 exhibits a hypochromatic-shifted absorption spectrum, high-lying lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level and ordered 2D packing mode. The D18:Z19-based blend film exhibits favorable phase separation with face-on dominated molecular orientation, facilitating charge transport properties. Consequently, D18:Z19 binary devices afford an exciting PCE of 19.2% with a high VOC of 1.002 V, surpassing Y6-2O-based devices. The former is the highest PCE reported to date for OSCs with VOCs of >1.0 V. Moreover, the ΔEnonrad of Z19- (0.200 eV) and Y6-2O-based (0.155 eV) devices are lower than that of Y6-based (0.239 eV) devices. Indications are that the design of such NFA, considering the energy-gap law, could promote a new breakthrough in OSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renjie Xu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Jiang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Feng Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, P. R. China
| | - Guangliu Ran
- Department of Physics and Applied Optics Beijing Area Major Laboratory, Center for Advanced Quantum Studies, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, P. R. China
| | - Kerui Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Wenkai Zhang
- Department of Physics and Applied Optics Beijing Area Major Laboratory, Center for Advanced Quantum Studies, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, P. R. China
| | - Xiaozhang Zhu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kang J, Kim SY, Zong K. Facile Synthesis of Dithienobenzothiadiazoles and D18-Cl Polymer via Na 2S-Mediated Rapid Thiophene-Annulations for Organic Solar Cells. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024:e202400055. [PMID: 38504635 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202400055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
We present a novel synthetic route for the rapid construction of dithieno[3',2':3,4;2'',3'':5,6]benzo[1,2-c][1,2,5]thiadiazoles via Na2S-promoted thiophene annulation. This method facilitated the synthesis of D18-Cl polymer, known for its efficacy as a polymer donor in bulk-heterojunction polymer solar cells. Starting from commercially available 4,7-dihalo-5,6-difluorobenzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, various 4,7-dialkynylated compounds were obtained through Sonogashira reaction conditions. Subsequent Na2S-promoted thiophene annulations yielded DTBT and its derivatives in excellent yields within 10 minutes. DTBT was then utilized as a precursor for the concise synthesis of D18-Cl, benefiting from reduced synthetic steps, mild reaction conditions, decreased complexity, and high overall yields. In another route, a space group-bridged DTBT was directly constructed via Na2S-promoted thiophene annulations and converted into D18-Cl through a couple of steps. This developed protocol offers a straightforward and reliable synthetic tool, conducive to reducing complexities in the production of DTBT-based organic electronic materials, thereby advancing the potential commercialization of organic solar cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junmo Kang
- Department of Chemical Education, Institute of Fusion Science, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin Yeong Kim
- Department of Chemical Education, Institute of Fusion Science, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyukwan Zong
- Department of Chemical Education, Institute of Fusion Science, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jin J, Wang Q, Shen W, Belfiore LA, Tang J. High-Efficiency Ternary Polymer Solar Cells with a Gradient-Blended Structure Fabricated by Sequential Deposition. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024. [PMID: 38501443 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c00411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Acquiring the ideal blend morphology of the active layer to optimize charge separation and collection is a constant goal of polymer solar cells (PSCs). In this paper, the ternary strategy and the sequential deposition process were combined to make sufficient use of the solar spectrum, optimize the energy-level structure, regulate the vertical phase separation morphology, and ultimately enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of the PSCs. Specifically, the donor and acceptor illustrated a gradient-blended distribution in the sequential deposition-processed films, thus resulting in facilitated carrier characteristics in the gradient-blended devices. Consequently, the PSCs based on D18-Cl/Y6:ZY-4Cl have achieved a device efficiency of over 18% with the synergetic improvement of open-circuit voltage (VOC), short-circuit current density (JSC), and fill factor (FF). Therefore, this work reveals a facile approach to fabricating PSCs with improved performance and stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianghao Jin
- Institute of Hybrid Materials, National Center of International Joint Research for Hybrid Materials Technology, National Base of International Science & Technology Cooperation on Hybrid Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Qiao Wang
- Institute of Hybrid Materials, National Center of International Joint Research for Hybrid Materials Technology, National Base of International Science & Technology Cooperation on Hybrid Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Wenfei Shen
- Institute of Hybrid Materials, National Center of International Joint Research for Hybrid Materials Technology, National Base of International Science & Technology Cooperation on Hybrid Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Laurence A Belfiore
- Institute of Hybrid Materials, National Center of International Joint Research for Hybrid Materials Technology, National Base of International Science & Technology Cooperation on Hybrid Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jianguo Tang
- Institute of Hybrid Materials, National Center of International Joint Research for Hybrid Materials Technology, National Base of International Science & Technology Cooperation on Hybrid Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chen S, Zhu S, Hong L, Deng W, Zhang Y, Fu Y, Zhong Z, Dong M, Liu C, Lu X, Zhang K, Huang F. Binary Organic Solar Cells with over 19 % Efficiency and Enhanced Morphology Stability Enabled by Asymmetric Acceptors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202318756. [PMID: 38289020 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202318756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The simultaneous improvement of efficiency and stability of organic solar cells (OSCs) for commercialization remains a challenging task. Herein, we designed asymmetric acceptors DT-C8Cl and DT-C8BTz with functional haloalkyl chains, in which the halogen atoms could induce noncovalent interactions with heteroatoms like O, S, and Se, etc., thus leading to appropriately manipulated film morphology. Consequently, binary devices based on D18: DT-C8Cl achieved a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.40 %. The higher PCE of D18: DT-C8Cl could be attributed to the enhanced π-π stacking, improved charge transport, and reduced recombination losses. In addition, the noncovalent interactions induced by haloalkyl chains could effectively suppress unfavorable morphology evolutions and thereby reduce trap density of states, leading to improved thermal and storage stability. Overall, our findings reveal that the rational design of asymmetric acceptors with functional haloalkyl chains is a novel and powerful strategy for simultaneously enhancing the efficiency and stability of OSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
| | - Shengtian Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
| | - Ling Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
| | - Wanyuan Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
| | - Yi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
| | - Yuang Fu
- Department of Physics, The Chinese University of HongKong, New Territories, 999077, HongKong, P. R. China
| | - Zuiyi Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
| | - Minghao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
| | - Chunchen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
| | - Xinhui Lu
- Department of Physics, The Chinese University of HongKong, New Territories, 999077, HongKong, P. R. China
| | - Kai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
| | - Fei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li M, Liu M, Qi F, Lin FR, Jen AKY. Self-Assembled Monolayers for Interfacial Engineering in Solution-Processed Thin-Film Electronic Devices: Design, Fabrication, and Applications. Chem Rev 2024; 124:2138-2204. [PMID: 38421811 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Interfacial engineering has long been a vital means of improving thin-film device performance, especially for organic electronics, perovskites, and hybrid devices. It greatly facilitates the fabrication and performance of solution-processed thin-film devices, including organic field effect transistors (OFETs), organic solar cells (OSCs), perovskite solar cells (PVSCs), and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, due to the limitation of traditional interfacial materials, further progress of these thin-film devices is hampered particularly in terms of stability, flexibility, and sensitivity. The deadlock has gradually been broken through the development of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), which possess distinct benefits in transparency, diversity, stability, sensitivity, selectivity, and surface passivation ability. In this review, we first showed the evolution of SAMs, elucidating their working mechanisms and structure-property relationships by assessing a wide range of SAM materials reported to date. A comprehensive comparison of various SAM growth, fabrication, and characterization methods was presented to help readers interested in applying SAM to their works. Moreover, the recent progress of the SAM design and applications in mainstream thin-film electronic devices, including OFETs, OSCs, PVSCs and OLEDs, was summarized. Finally, an outlook and prospects section summarizes the major challenges for the further development of SAMs used in thin-film devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingliang Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Feng Qi
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Francis R Lin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Alex K-Y Jen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhang H, Liu Y, Ran G, Li H, Zhang W, Cheng P, Bo Z. Sequentially Processed Bulk-Heterojunction-Buried Structure for Efficient Organic Solar Cells with 500 nm Thickness. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2400521. [PMID: 38477468 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202400521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Large-area printing fabrication is a distinctive feature of organic solar cells (OSCs). However, the advance of upscalable fabrication is challenged by the thickness of organic active layers considering the importance of both exciton dissociation and charge collection. In this work, a bulk-heterojunction-buried (buried-BHJ) structure is introduced by sequential deposition to realize efficient exciton dissociation and charge collection, thereby contributing to efficient OSCs with 500 nm thick active layers. The buried-BHJ distributes donor and acceptor phases in the vertical direction as charge transport channels, while numerous BHJ interfaces are buried in each phase to facilitate exciton dissociation simultaneously. It is found that buried-BHJ configurations possess efficient exciton dissociation and rapid charge transport, resulting in reduced recombination losses. In comparison with traditional structures, the buried-BHJ structure displays a decent tolerance to film thickness. In particular, a power conversion efficiency of 16.0% is achieved with active layers at a thickness of 500 nm. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this represents the champion efficiency of thick film OSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huarui Zhang
- College of Textiles and Clothing, State Key Laboratory of Bio-fibers and Eco-textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Energy Conversion and Storage Materials, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yuqiang Liu
- College of Textiles and Clothing, State Key Laboratory of Bio-fibers and Eco-textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Guangliu Ran
- Department of Physics and Applied Optics Beijing Area Major Laboratory, Center for Advanced Quantum Studies, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Hongxiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Wenkai Zhang
- Department of Physics and Applied Optics Beijing Area Major Laboratory, Center for Advanced Quantum Studies, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Pei Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Zhishan Bo
- College of Textiles and Clothing, State Key Laboratory of Bio-fibers and Eco-textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Energy Conversion and Storage Materials, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Filate T, Lee S, Franco LR, Chen Q, Genene Z, Marchiori CFN, Lee Y, Araujo M, Mammo W, Woo HY, Kim BJ, Wang E. Aqueous Processed All-Polymer Solar Cells with High Open-Circuit Voltage Based on Low-Cost Thiophene-Quinoxaline Polymers. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:12886-12896. [PMID: 38425182 PMCID: PMC10941072 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c18994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Eco-friendly solution processing and the low-cost synthesis of photoactive materials are important requirements for the commercialization of organic solar cells (OSCs). Although varieties of aqueous-soluble acceptors have been developed, the availability of aqueous-processable polymer donors remains quite limited. In particular, the generally shallow highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels of existing polymer donors limit further increases in the power conversion efficiency (PCE). Here, we design and synthesize two water/alcohol-processable polymer donors, poly[(thiophene-2,5-diyl)-alt-(2-((13-(2,5,8,11-tetraoxadodecyl)-2,5,8,11-tetraoxatetradecan-14-yl)oxy)-6,7-difluoroquinoxaline-5,8-diyl)] (P(Qx8O-T)) and poly[(selenophene-2,5-diyl)-alt-(2-((13-(2,5,8,11-tetraoxadodecyl)-2,5,8,11-tetraoxatetradecan-14-yl)oxy)-6,7-difluoroquinoxaline-5,8-diyl)] (P(Qx8O-Se)) with oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) side chains, having deep HOMO energy levels (∼-5.4 eV). The synthesis of the polymers is achieved in a few synthetic and purification steps at reduced cost. The theoretical calculations uncover that the dielectric environmental variations are responsible for the observed band gap lowering in OEG-based polymers compared to their alkylated counterparts. Notably, the aqueous-processed all-polymer solar cells (aq-APSCs) based on P(Qx8O-T) and poly[(N,N'-bis(3-(2-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)-ethoxy)ethoxy)-2-((2-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)-methyl)propyl)naphthalene-1,4,5,8-bis(dicarboximide)-2,6-diyl)-alt-(2,5-thiophene)] (P(NDIDEG-T)) active layer exhibit a PCE of 2.27% and high open-circuit voltage (VOC) approaching 0.8 V, which are among the highest values for aq-APSCs reported to date. This study provides important clues for the design of low-cost, aqueous-processable polymer donors and the fabrication of aqueous-processable OSCs with high VOC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadele
T. Filate
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers
University of Technology, SE-412 96 Göteborg, Sweden
- Department
of Chemistry, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 33658, 1000 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Seungjin Lee
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 34141 Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Energy
Materials Research Center, Korea Research
Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 34114 Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Leandro R. Franco
- Department
of Engineering and Physics, Karlstad University, 65188 Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Qiaonan Chen
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers
University of Technology, SE-412 96 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Zewdneh Genene
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers
University of Technology, SE-412 96 Göteborg, Sweden
| | | | - Yoonjoo Lee
- Department
of Chemistry, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Moyses Araujo
- Department
of Engineering and Physics, Karlstad University, 65188 Karlstad, Sweden
- Materials
Theory Division, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, 75120 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Wendimagegn Mammo
- Department
of Chemistry, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 33658, 1000 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Han Young Woo
- Department
of Chemistry, Korea University, 02841 Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bumjoon J. Kim
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 34141 Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ergang Wang
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers
University of Technology, SE-412 96 Göteborg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gao W, Ma R, Dela Peña TA, Yan C, Li H, Li M, Wu J, Cheng P, Zhong C, Wei Z, Jen AKY, Li G. Efficient all-small-molecule organic solar cells processed with non-halogen solvent. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1946. [PMID: 38431627 PMCID: PMC10908865 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46144-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
All-small-molecule organic solar cells with good batch-to-batch reproducibility combined with non-halogen solvent processing show great potential for commercialization. However, non-halogen solvent processing of all-small-molecule organic solar cells are rarely reported and its power conversion efficiencies are very difficult to improve. Herein, we designed and synthesized a small molecule donor BM-ClEH that can take advantage of strong aggregation property induced by intramolecular chlorine-sulfur non-covalent interaction to improve molecular pre-aggregation in tetrahydrofuran and corresponding micromorphology after film formation. Tetrahydrofuran-fabricated all-small-molecule organic solar cells based on BM-ClEH:BO-4Cl achieved high power conversion efficiencies of 15.0% in binary device and 16.1% in ternary device under thermal annealing treatment. In contrast, weakly aggregated BM-HEH without chlorine-sulfur non-covalent bond is almost inefficient under same processing conditions due to poor pre-aggregation induced disordered π-π stacking, indistinct phase separation and exciton dissociation. This work promotes the development of non-halogen solvent processing of all-small-molecule organic solar cells and provides further guidance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Gao
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Institute of Luminescent Materials and Information Displays, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Ruijie Ma
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China.
| | - Top Archie Dela Peña
- Department of Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Advanced Materials Thrust, Function Hub, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Nansha, Guangzhou, 511442, China
| | - Cenqi Yan
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Hongxiang Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China.
| | - Mingjie Li
- Department of Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jiaying Wu
- Advanced Materials Thrust, Function Hub, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Nansha, Guangzhou, 511442, China
| | - Pei Cheng
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Cheng Zhong
- Department of Chemistry, Hubei Key Lab on Organic and Polymeric Optoelectronic Materials, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Zhanhua Wei
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Institute of Luminescent Materials and Information Displays, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Alex K-Y Jen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong, China.
- Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gao Y, Xiao Z, Cui M, Saidaminov MI, Tan F, Shang L, Li W, Qin C, Ding L. Asymmetric Π-Bridge Engineering Enables High-Permittivity Benzo[1,2-B:4,5-b']Difuran-Conjugated Polymer for Efficient Organic Solar Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2306373. [PMID: 37703387 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202306373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Organic solar cells (OSCs) exhibit complex charge dynamics, which are closely correlated with the dielectric constant (ɛr ) of photovoltaic materials. In this work, a series of novel conjugated copolymers based on benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']difuran (BDF) and benzotriazole (BTz) is designed and synthesized, which differ by the nature of π-bridge from one another. The PBDF-TF-BTz with asymmetric furan and thiophene π-bridge demonstrates a larger ɛr of 4.22 than PBDF-dT-BTz with symmetric thiophene π-bridge (3.15) and PBDF-dF-BTz with symmetric furan π-bridge (3.90). The PBDF-TF-BTz also offers more favorable molecular packing and appropriate miscibility with non-fullerene acceptor Y6 than its counterparts. The corresponding PBDF-TF-BTz:Y6 OSCs display efficient exciton dissociation, fast charge transport and collection, and reduced charge recombination, eventually leading to a power conversion efficiency of 17.01%. When introducing a fullerene derivative (PCBO-12) as a third component, the PBDF-TF-BTz:Y6:PCBO-12 OSCs yield a remarkable FF of 80.11% with a high efficiency of 18.10%, the highest value among all reported BDF-polymer-based OSCs. This work provides an effective approach to developing high-permittivity photovoltaic materials, showcasing PBDF-TF-BTz as a promising polymer donor for constructing high-performance OSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yueyue Gao
- Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Materials, School of Future Technology, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, P. R. China
| | - Zuo Xiao
- Center for Excellence in Nanoscience (CAS), Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication (CAS), National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Minghuan Cui
- Henan Key Laboratory of Infrared Materials & Spectrum Measures and Applications, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453007, P. R. China
| | - Makhsud I Saidaminov
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, British Columbia, V8P 5C2, Victoria, 3010, Canada
| | - Furui Tan
- Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Materials, School of Future Technology, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, P. R. China
| | - Luwen Shang
- Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Materials, School of Future Technology, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, P. R. China
| | - Wanpeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Materials, School of Future Technology, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, P. R. China
| | - Chaochao Qin
- Henan Key Laboratory of Infrared Materials & Spectrum Measures and Applications, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453007, P. R. China
| | - Liming Ding
- Center for Excellence in Nanoscience (CAS), Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication (CAS), National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Fu J, Yang Q, Huang P, Chung S, Cho K, Kan Z, Liu H, Lu X, Lang Y, Lai H, He F, Fong PWK, Lu S, Yang Y, Xiao Z, Li G. Rational molecular and device design enables organic solar cells approaching 20% efficiency. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1830. [PMID: 38418862 PMCID: PMC10902355 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46022-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
For organic solar cells to be competitive, the light-absorbing molecules should simultaneously satisfy multiple key requirements, including weak-absorption charge transfer state, high dielectric constant, suitable surface energy, proper crystallinity, etc. However, the systematic design rule in molecules to achieve the abovementioned goals is rarely studied. In this work, guided by theoretical calculation, we present a rational design of non-fullerene acceptor o-BTP-eC9, with distinct photoelectric properties compared to benchmark BTP-eC9. o-BTP-eC9 based device has uplifted charge transfer state, therefore significantly reducing the energy loss by 41 meV and showing excellent power conversion efficiency of 18.7%. Moreover, the new guest acceptor o-BTP-eC9 has excellent miscibility, crystallinity, and energy level compatibility with BTP-eC9, which enables an efficiency of 19.9% (19.5% certified) in PM6:BTP-C9:o-BTP-eC9 based ternary system with enhanced operational stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiehao Fu
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), Photonic Research Institute (PRI), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, PR China
| | - Qianguang Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, 318000, PR China
- Thin-Film Solar Cell Technology Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, PR China
| | - Peihao Huang
- Thin-Film Solar Cell Technology Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, PR China
| | - Sein Chung
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, 37673, South Korea
| | - Kilwon Cho
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, 37673, South Korea
| | - Zhipeng Kan
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China
| | - Heng Liu
- Department of Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, PR China
| | - Xinhui Lu
- Department of Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, PR China
| | - Yongwen Lang
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), Photonic Research Institute (PRI), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, PR China
- Shenzhen Grubbs Institute and Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Hanjian Lai
- Shenzhen Grubbs Institute and Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Feng He
- Shenzhen Grubbs Institute and Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Patrick W K Fong
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), Photonic Research Institute (PRI), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, PR China
| | - Shirong Lu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, 318000, PR China.
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Zeyun Xiao
- Thin-Film Solar Cell Technology Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, PR China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), Photonic Research Institute (PRI), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Qi F, Li Y, Lin FR, Jen AKY. Recent Progress of Oligomeric Non-Fullerene Acceptors for Efficient and Stable Organic Solar Cells. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024:e202301559. [PMID: 38372481 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202301559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Organic solar cells (OSCs) have achieved remarkable power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of over 19 % in the past few years due to the rapid development of non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs). However, the operational stability remains a great challenge that inhibits their commercialization. Recently, oligomeric NFAs (ONFAs) have attracted great attention, which not only can deliver excellent device performance, but also improve the thermal-/photo- stability of OSCs. This is attributed to the suppressed molecular diffusion of ONFAs associated with their high glass-transition temperature (Tg ) and improved thermodynamic properties of ONFAs. Herein, we focus on investigating the correction between the ONFA chemical structure, material properties, device performance, and stability. In addition, we also try to point out the challenges in synthesizing ONFAs and provide potential directions for future ONFA designs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Qi
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Yanxun Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Francis R Lin
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Alex K-Y Jen
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wei W, Zhang C, Chen Z, Chen W, Ran G, Pan G, Zhang W, Müller-Buschbaum P, Bo Z, Yang C, Luo Z. Precise Methylation Yields Acceptor with Hydrogen-Bonding Network for High-Efficiency and Thermally Stable Polymer Solar Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202315625. [PMID: 38100221 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202315625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Utilizing intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions stands for an effective approach in advancing the efficiency and stability of small-molecule acceptors (SMAs) for polymer solar cells. Herein, we synthesized three SMAs (Qo1, Qo2, and Qo3) using indeno[1,2-b]quinoxalin-11-one (Qox) as the electron-deficient group, with the incorporation of a methylation strategy. Through crystallographic analysis, it is observed that two Qox-based methylated acceptors (Qo2 and Qo3) exhibit multiple hydrogen bond-assisted 3D network transport structures, in contrast to the 2D transport structure observed in gem-dichlorinated counterpart (Qo4). Notably, Qo2 exhibits multiple and stronger hydrogen-bonding interactions compared with Qo3. Consequently, PM6 : Qo2 device realizes the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.4 %, surpassing the efficiencies of devices based on Qo1 (15.8 %), Qo3 (16.7 %), and Qo4 (2.4 %). This remarkable PCE in PM6 : Qo2 device can be primarily ascribed to the enhanced donor-acceptor miscibility, more favorable medium structure, and more efficient charge transfer and collection behavior. Moreover, the PM6 : Qo2 device demonstrates exceptional thermal stability, retaining 82.8 % of its initial PCE after undergoing annealing at 65 °C for 250 hours. Our research showcases that precise methylation, particularly targeting the formation of intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions to tune crystal packing patterns, represents a promising strategy in the molecular design of efficient and stable SMAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weifei Wei
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of New Information Display and Storage Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cai'e Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of New Information Display and Storage Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
- Key Laboratory of Energy Conversion and Storage Materials, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, 100875, Beijing, China
| | - Zhanxiang Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of New Information Display and Storage Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ultraintense Laser and Advanced Material Technology, Center for Advanced Material Diagnostic Technology, and College of Engineering Physics, Shenzhen Technology University, 518118, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guangliu Ran
- Department of Physics and Applied Optics Beijing Area Major Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, 100875, Beijing, China
| | - Guangjiu Pan
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Physics, Chair for Functional Materials, James-Franck-Str. 1, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Wenkai Zhang
- Department of Physics and Applied Optics Beijing Area Major Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, 100875, Beijing, China
| | - Peter Müller-Buschbaum
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Physics, Chair for Functional Materials, James-Franck-Str. 1, 85748, Garching, Germany
- Technical University of Munich, Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ), Lichtenbergstraße 1, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Zhishan Bo
- Key Laboratory of Energy Conversion and Storage Materials, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, 100875, Beijing, China
| | - Chuluo Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of New Information Display and Storage Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhenghui Luo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of New Information Display and Storage Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhang G, Chen Q, Zhang Z, Gao Z, Xiao C, Wei Y, Li W. NiO x Nanoparticles Hole-Transporting Layer Regulated by Ionic Radius-Controlled Doping and Reductive Agent for Organic Solar Cells with Efficiency of 19.18. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2310630. [PMID: 38029790 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Nickel oxide (NiOx ) has garnered considerable attention as a prospective hole-transporting layer (HTL) in organic solar cells (OSCs), offering a potential solution to the stability challenges posed by traditional HTL, PEDOT:PSS, arising from acidity and hygroscopicity. Nevertheless, the lower work function (WF) of NiOx relative to donor polymers reduces charge injection efficiency in OSCs. Herein, NiOx nanoparticles are tailored through rare earth doping to optimize WF and the impact of ionic radius on their electronic properties is explored. Lanthanum (La3+ ) and yttrium (Y3+ ) ions, with larger ionic radii, are effectively doped at 1 and 3%, respectively, while scandium (Sc3+ ), with a smaller ion radius, allows enhanced 5% doping. Higher doping ratios significantly enhance WF of NiOx . A 5% Sc3+ doping raises WF to 4.99 eV from 4.77 eV for neat NiOx while maintaining high conductivity. Consequently, using 5% Sc-doped NiOx as HTL improves the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of OSCs to 17.13%, surpassing the 15.64% with the neat NiOx . Further enhancement to 18.42% is achieved by introducing the reductant catechol, outperforming the PEDOT:PSS-based devices. Additionally, when employed in a ternary blend system (D18:N3:F-BTA3), an impressive PCE of 19.18 % is realized, top-performing among reported OSCs utilizing solution-processed inorganic nanoparticles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangcong Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering & State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Qiaomei Chen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering & State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Zhou Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering & State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Zihao Gao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering & State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Chengyi Xiao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering & State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Yen Wei
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Weiwei Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering & State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Xue YJ, Lai ZY, Lu HC, Hong JC, Tsai CL, Huang CL, Huang KH, Lu CF, Lai YY, Hsu CS, Lin JM, Chang JW, Chien SY, Lee GH, Jeng US, Cheng YJ. Unraveling the Structure-Property-Performance Relationships of Fused-Ring Nonfullerene Acceptors: Toward a C-Shaped ortho-Benzodipyrrole-Based Acceptor for Highly Efficient Organic Photovoltaics. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:833-848. [PMID: 38113458 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c11062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The high-performance Y6-based nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) feature a C-shaped A-DA'D-A-type molecular architecture with a central electron-deficient thiadiazole (Tz) A' unit. In this work, we designed and synthesized a new A-D-A-type NFA, termed CB16, having a C-shaped ortho-benzodipyrrole-based skeleton of Y6 but with the Tz unit eliminated. When processed with nonhalogenated xylene without using any additives, the binary PM6:CB16 devices display a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.32% with a high open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.92 V, surpassing the performance of the corresponding Y6-based devices. In contrast, similarly synthesized SB16, featuring an S-shaped para-benzodipyrrole-based skeleton, yields a low PCE of 0.15% due to the strong side-chain aggregation of SB16. The C-shaped A-DNBND-A skeleton in CB16 and the Y6-series NFAs constitutes the essential structural foundation for achieving exceptional device performance. The central Tz moiety or other A' units can be employed to finely adjust intermolecular interactions. The single-crystal X-ray structure reveals that ortho-benzodipyrrole-embedded A-DNBND-A plays an important role in the formation of a 3D elliptical network packing for efficient charge transport. Solution structures of the PM6:NFAs detected by small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SWAXS) indicate that removing the Tz unit in the C-shaped skeleton could reduce the self-packing of CB16, thereby enhancing the complexing and networking with PM6 in the spin-coating solution and the subsequent device film. Elucidating the structure-property-performance relationships of A-DA'D-A-type NFAs in this work paves the way for the future development of structurally simplified A-D-A-type NFAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Jing Xue
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 1001 University Road, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Ze-Yu Lai
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, 101 Hsin-Ann Road, Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu 300092, Taiwan
| | - Han-Cheng Lu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 1001 University Road, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Cheng Hong
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 1001 University Road, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Lin Tsai
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 1001 University Road, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Li Huang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 1001 University Road, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Hsiu Huang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 1001 University Road, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Fang Lu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 1001 University Road, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ying Lai
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering,National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Chain-Shu Hsu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 1001 University Road, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
- Center for Emergent Functional Matter Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 1001 University Road, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Jhih-Min Lin
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, 101 Hsin-Ann Road, Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu 300092, Taiwan
| | - Je-Wei Chang
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, 101 Hsin-Ann Road, Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu 300092, Taiwan
| | - Su-Ying Chien
- Instrumentation Center, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Gene-Hsiang Lee
- Instrumentation Center, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - U-Ser Jeng
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, 101 Hsin-Ann Road, Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu 300092, Taiwan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Sec. 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan
- College of Semiconductor Research, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ju Cheng
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 1001 University Road, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
- Center for Emergent Functional Matter Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 1001 University Road, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wu P, Duan Y, Li Y, Xu X, Li R, Yu L, Peng Q. 18.6% Efficiency All-Polymer Solar Cells Enabled by a Wide Bandgap Polymer Donor Based on Benzo[1,2-d:4,5-d']bisthiazole. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2306990. [PMID: 37766648 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202306990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The limited selection of wide bandgap polymer donors for all-polymer solar cells (all-PSCs) is a bottleneck problem restricting their further development and remains poorly studied. Herein, a new wide bandgap polymer, namely PBBTz-Cl, is designed and synthesized by bridging the benzobisthiazole acceptor block and chlorinated benzodithiophene donor block with thiophene units for application as an electron donor in all-PSCs. PBBTz-Cl not only possesses wide bandgap and deep energy levels but also displays strong absorption, high-planar structure, and good crystallinity, making it a promising candidate for application as a polymer donor in organic solar cells. When paired with the narrow bandgap polymer acceptor PY-IT, a fibril-like morphology forms, which facilitates exciton dissociation and charge transport, contributing to a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.15% of the corresponding all-PSCs. Moreover, when introducing another crystalline polymer acceptor BTP-2T2F into the PBBTz-Cl:PY-IT host blend, the absorption ditch in the range of 600-750 nm is filled, and the blend morphology is further optimized with the trap density reducing. As a result, the ternary blend all-PSCs achieve a significantly improved PCE of 18.60%, which is among the highest values for all-PSCs to date.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peixi Wu
- School of Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Yuwei Duan
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry Ministry of Education Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Advanced Energy Devices Shaanxi Engineering Lab for Advanced Energy Technology School of Materials Science & Engineering Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, P. R. China
| | - Yinfeng Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Xiaopeng Xu
- School of Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Ruipeng Li
- National Synchrotron Light Source II Brookhaven National Lab, Suffolk, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Liyang Yu
- School of Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Peng
- School of Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Fan Q, Xiao Q, Zhang H, Heng J, Xie M, Wei Z, Jia X, Liu X, Kang Z, Li CZ, Li S, Zhang T, Zhou Y, Huang J, Li Z. Highly Efficient and Stable ITO-Free Organic Solar Cells Based on Squaraine N-Doped Quaternary Bulk Heterojunction. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2307920. [PMID: 37823840 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Simultaneously achieving high efficiency and robust device stability remains a significant challenge for organic solar cells (OSCs). Solving this challenge is highly dependent on the film morphology of the bulk heterojunction (BHJ) photoactive blends; however, there is a lack of rational control strategy. Herein, it is shown that the molecular crystallinity and nanomorphology of nonfullerene-based BHJ can be effectively controlled by a squaraine-based doping strategy, leading to an increase in device efficiency from 17.26% to 18.5% when doping 2 wt% squaraine into the PBDB-TF:BTP-eC9:PC71 BM ternary BHJ. The efficiency is further improved to 19.11% (certified 19.06%) using an indium-tin-oxide-free column-patterned microcavity (CPM) architecture. Combined with interfacial modification, CPM quaternary OSC excitingly shows an extrapolated lifetime of ≈23 years based on accelerated aging test, with the mechanism behind enhanced stability well studied. Furthermore, a flexible OSC module with a high and stable efficiency of 15.2% and an overall area of 5 cm2 is successfully fabricated, exhibiting a high average output power for wearable electronics. This work demonstrates that OSCs with new design of BHJ and device architecture are highly promising to be practical relevance with excellent performance and stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingshan Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Qi Xiao
- Key Laboratory for Material Chemistry of Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Hanqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Jinzi Heng
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Meiling Xie
- Key Laboratory for Material Chemistry of Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Zihao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Xiaowei Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Zhangli Kang
- National Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610021, China
| | - Chang-Zhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials, MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, P. R. China
| | - Shibin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Ting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, China
| | - Jiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
- Institute of Electronic and Information Engineering of UESTC in Guangdong, Guangdong, 523808, P. R. China
| | - Zhong'an Li
- Key Laboratory for Material Chemistry of Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Deng M, Xu X, Duan Y, Qiu W, Yu L, Li R, Peng Q. 19.32% Efficiency Polymer Solar Cells Enabled by Fine-Tuning Stacking Modes of Y-Type Molecule Acceptors: Synergistic Bromine and Fluorine Substitution of the End Groups. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2308216. [PMID: 38100817 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202308216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The success of Y6-type nonfullerene small molecule acceptors (NF-SMAs) in polymer solar cells (PSCs) can be attributed to their unique honeycomb stacking style, which leads to favorable thin-film morphologies. The intermolecular interactions related to the crystallization tendency of these NF-SMAs is closely governed by their electron accepting end groups. For example, the high performance Y6 derivative L8-BO (BTP-4F) presents three types of stacking modes in contrast to two stacking modes of Y6. Hence, it is ultimately interesting to obtain more insight on the packing properties and the preferences influenced by chemical modifications such as end group engineering. This work designs and synthesizes asymmetric and symmetric L8-BO derivatives with brominated end groups and explores the stacking preferences in various modes. The asymmetric BTP-3FBr displays an optimized crystallization tendency and thin film morphology, leading to a decent power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.34% in binary devices and a top PCE of 19.32% in ternary devices containing 15 wt% IDIC as the second acceptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Deng
- College of Materials and Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, P. R. China
| | - Xiaopeng Xu
- School of Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Yuwei Duan
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Advanced Energy Devices, Shaanxi Engineering Lab for Advanced Energy, Technology, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, P. R. China
| | - Wuke Qiu
- School of Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Liyang Yu
- College of Materials and Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, P. R. China
- School of Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Ruipeng Li
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Lab, Suffolk, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Qiang Peng
- College of Materials and Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, P. R. China
- School of Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Yang C, An Q, Jiang M, Ma X, Mahmood A, Zhang H, Zhao X, Zhi HF, Jee MH, Woo HY, Liao X, Deng D, Wei Z, Wang JL. Optimized Crystal Framework by Asymmetric Core Isomerization in Selenium-Substituted Acceptor for Efficient Binary Organic Solar Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202313016. [PMID: 37823882 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202313016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Both the regional isomerization and selenium-substitution of the small molecular acceptors (SMAs) play significant roles in developing efficient organic solar cells (OSCs), while their synergistic effects remain elusive. Herein, we developed three isomeric SMAs (S-CSeF, A-ISeF, and A-OSeF) via subtly manipulating the mono-selenium substituted position (central, inner, or outer) and type of heteroaromatic ring on the central core by synergistic strategies for efficient OSCs, respectively. Crystallography of asymmetric A-OSeF presents a closer intermolecular π-π stacking and more ordered 3-dimensional network packing and efficient charge-hopping pathways. With the successive out-shift of the mono-selenium substituted position, the neat films give a slightly wider band gap and gradually higher crystallinity and electron mobility. The PM1 : A-OSeF afford favourable fibrous phase separation morphology with more ordered molecular packing and efficient charge transportation compared to the other two counterparts. Consequently, the A-OSeF-based devices achieve a champion efficiency of 18.5 %, which represents the record value for the reported selenium-containing SMAs in binary OSCs. Our developed precise molecular engineering of the position and type of selenium-based heteroaromatic ring of SMAs provides a promising synergistic approach to optimizing crystal stacking and boosting top-ranked selenium-containing SMAs-based OSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Can Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Qiaoshi An
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Mengyun Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiaoming Ma
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Asif Mahmood
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Hong-Fu Zhi
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Min Hun Jee
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul, 136-713, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Young Woo
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul, 136-713, Republic of Korea
| | - Xilin Liao
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Dan Deng
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Zhixiang Wei
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Jin-Liang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Shi W, Huang Y, Ma K, Si X, Feng W, Wang R, Guo J, Ma W, Wang S, Clulow A, Barnsley L, Yao Z, Li C, Wan X, Chen Y. A Polymer Acceptor with Grafted Small Molecule Acceptor Unit for Efficient All Polymer Organic Solar Cells. Macromol Rapid Commun 2023; 44:e2300407. [PMID: 37704567 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202300407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
A polymer acceptor, named PX-1, is designed and synthesized using a polymerization strategy with grafted small molecule acceptors. This design approach allows for the freedom of end groups while maintaining efficient terminal packing, enhancing π-π interactions, and facilitating charge transport. All-polymer organic solar cells based on PM6: PX-1 demonstrate a promising efficiency of 13.55%. The result presents an alternative pathway for the design of high-efficiency polymer acceptors through the careful regulation of small molecule acceptor monomers and linker units.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wendi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Yuzhong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Kangqiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Xiaodong Si
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Wanying Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Ruohan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Jiaxin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Wei Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Shijie Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Andrew Clulow
- Australian Synchrotron, 800 Blackburn Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Lester Barnsley
- Australian Synchrotron, 800 Blackburn Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Zhaoyang Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Chenxi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Xiangjian Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Yongsheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ahmad M, Cruguel H, Ahmadpour M, Vannucchi N, Samie NM, Leuillet C, Generalov A, Li Z, Madsen M, Witkowski N. Uncovering the Electronic State Interplay at Metal Oxide Electron Transport Layer/Nonfullerene Acceptor Interfaces in Stable Organic Photovoltaic Devices. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:55065-55072. [PMID: 37972316 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c11103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The implementation of sputter-deposited TiOx as an electron transport layer in nonfullerene acceptor-based organic photovoltaics has been shown to significantly increase the long-term stability of devices compared to conventional solution-processed ZnO due to a decreased photocatalytic activity of the sputtered TiOx. In this work, we utilize synchrotron-based photoemission and absorption spectroscopies to investigate the interface between the electron transport layer, TiOx prepared by magnetron sputtering, and the nonfullerene acceptor, ITIC, prepared in situ by spray deposition to study the electronic state interplay and defect states at this interface. This is used to unveil the mechanisms behind the decreased photocatalytic activity of the sputter-deposited TiOx and thus also the increased stability of the organic solar cell devices. The results have been compared to similar measurements on anatase TiOx since anatase TiOx is known to have a strong photocatalytic activity. We show that the deposition of ITIC on top of the sputter-deposited TiOx results in an oxidation of Ti3+ species in the TiOx and leads to the emergence of a new O 1s peak that can be attributed to the oxygen in ITIC. In addition, increasing the thickness of ITIC on TiOx leads to a shift in the O 1s and C 1s core levels toward higher binding energies, which is consistent with electron transfer at the interface. Resonant photoemission at the Ti L-edge shows that oxygen vacancies in sputtered TiOx lie mostly in the surface region, which contrasts the anatase TiOx where an equal distribution between surface and subsurface oxygen vacancies is observed. Furthermore, it is shown that the subsurface oxygen vacancies in sputtered TiOx are strongly reduced after ITIC deposition, which can reduce the photocatalytic activity of the oxide, while the oxygen vacancies in model anatase TiOx are not affected upon ITIC deposition. This difference can explain the inferior photocatalytic activity of the sputter-deposited TiOx and thus also the increased stability of devices with sputter-deposited TiOx used as an electron transport layer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Ahmad
- SDU Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics and Thin-Film Energy Devices (SDU CAPE), Mads Clausen Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Alsion 2, So̷nderborg DK-6400, Denmark
- SDU Climate Cluster, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark
| | - Hervé Cruguel
- UMR CNRS 7588, Institut des Nanosciences de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris F-75005, France
| | - Mehrad Ahmadpour
- SDU Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics and Thin-Film Energy Devices (SDU CAPE), Mads Clausen Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Alsion 2, So̷nderborg DK-6400, Denmark
| | - Noemi Vannucchi
- UMR CNRS 7588, Institut des Nanosciences de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris F-75005, France
- Division of X-ray Photon Science, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, Box 516, Uppsala 752 36,Sweden
| | - Nahed Mohammad Samie
- UMR CNRS 7588, Institut des Nanosciences de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris F-75005, France
| | - Céline Leuillet
- UMR CNRS 7588, Institut des Nanosciences de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris F-75005, France
| | | | - Zheshen Li
- ISA, Centre for Storage Ring Facilities, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 120, Bldg. 1520, Aarhus C DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Morten Madsen
- SDU Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics and Thin-Film Energy Devices (SDU CAPE), Mads Clausen Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Alsion 2, So̷nderborg DK-6400, Denmark
- SDU Climate Cluster, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark
| | - Nadine Witkowski
- UMR CNRS 7588, Institut des Nanosciences de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris F-75005, France
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ran X, Shi Y, Qiu D, Zhang J, Lu K, Wei Z. The central core size effect in quinoxaline-based non-fullerene acceptors for high VOC organic solar cells. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:18291-18299. [PMID: 37941482 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05077g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
For organic solar cells (OSCs), obtaining a high open circuit voltage (VOC) is often accompanied by the sacrifice of the circuit current density (JSC) and filling factor (FF), and it is difficult to strike a balance between VOC and JSC × FF. The trade-off of these parameters is often the critical factor limiting the improvement of the power conversion efficiency (PCE). Extended backbone conjugation and side chain engineering of non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) are effective strategies to optimize the performance of OSCs. Herein, based on the quinoxaline central core and branched alkyl chains at the β position of the thiophene unit, we designed and synthesized three NFAs with different sized cores. Interestingly, Qx-BO-3 with a smaller central core showed better planarity and more appropriate crystallinity. As a result, PM6:Qx-BO-3-based devices obtained more suitable phase separation, more efficient exciton dissociation, and charge transport properties. Therefore, the OSCs based on PM6:Qx-BO-3 yielded an outstanding PCE of 17.03%, significantly higher than the devices based on PM6:Qx-BO-1 (10.57%) and PM6:Qx-BO-2 (11.34%) although the latter two devices have lower VOC losses. These results indicated that fine-tuning the central core size can effectively optimize the molecular geometry of NFAs and the film morphology of OSCs. This work provides an effective method for designing high-performance NFA-OSCs with high VOCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinya Ran
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Sino-Danish College University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yanan Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Dingding Qiu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Sino-Danish College University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jianqi Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Kun Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Sino-Danish College University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Zhixiang Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Sino-Danish College University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Wu J, Ling Z, Franco LR, Jeong SY, Genene Z, Mena J, Chen S, Chen C, Araujo CM, Marchiori CFN, Kimpel J, Chang X, Isikgor FH, Chen Q, Faber H, Han Y, Laquai F, Zhang M, Woo HY, Yu D, Anthopoulos TD, Wang E. On the Conformation of Dimeric Acceptors and Their Polymer Solar Cells with Efficiency over 18 . Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202302888. [PMID: 37380618 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202302888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The determination of molecular conformations of oligomeric acceptors (OAs) and their impact on molecular packing are crucial for understanding the photovoltaic performance of their resulting polymer solar cells (PSCs) but have not been well studied yet. Herein, we synthesized two dimeric acceptor materials, DIBP3F-Se and DIBP3F-S, which bridged two segments of Y6-derivatives by selenophene and thiophene, respectively. Theoretical simulation and experimental 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic studies prove that both dimers exhibit O-shaped conformations other than S- or U-shaped counter-ones. Notably, this O-shaped conformation is likely governed by a distinctive "conformational lock" mechanism, arising from the intensified intramolecular π-π interactions among their two terminal groups within the dimers. PSCs based on DIBP3F-Se deliver a maximum efficiency of 18.09 %, outperforming DIBP3F-S-based cells (16.11 %) and ranking among the highest efficiencies for OA-based PSCs. This work demonstrates a facile method to obtain OA conformations and highlights the potential of dimeric acceptors for high-performance PSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingnan Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296, Göteborg, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Zhaoheng Ling
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), KAUST Solar Center, Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Leandro R Franco
- Department of Engineering and Physics, Karlstad University, 65188, Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Sang Young Jeong
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul, 02841 (Republic of, Korea
| | - Zewdneh Genene
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Josué Mena
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Si Chen
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), KAUST Solar Center, Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Cailing Chen
- Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - C Moyses Araujo
- Department of Engineering and Physics, Karlstad University, 65188, Karlstad, Sweden
- Materials Theory Division, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, 75120, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Cleber F N Marchiori
- Department of Engineering and Physics, Karlstad University, 65188, Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Joost Kimpel
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Xiaoming Chang
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), KAUST Solar Center, Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Furkan H Isikgor
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), KAUST Solar Center, Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Qiaonan Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Hendrik Faber
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), KAUST Solar Center, Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yu Han
- Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Frédéric Laquai
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), KAUST Solar Center, Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maojie Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250100, China
| | - Han Young Woo
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul, 02841 (Republic of, Korea
| | - Donghong Yu
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Thomas D Anthopoulos
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), KAUST Solar Center, Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ergang Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296, Göteborg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Luo S, Li C, Zhang J, Zou X, Zhao H, Ding K, Huang H, Song J, Yi J, Yu H, Wong KS, Zhang G, Ade H, Ma W, Hu H, Sun Y, Yan H. Auxiliary sequential deposition enables 19%-efficiency organic solar cells processed from halogen-free solvents. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6964. [PMID: 37907534 PMCID: PMC10618449 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41978-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
High-efficiency organic solar cells are often achieved using toxic halogenated solvents and additives that are constrained in organic solar cells industry. Therefore, it is important to develop materials or processing methods that enabled highly efficient organic solar cells processed by halogen free solvents. In this paper, we report an innovative processing method named auxiliary sequential deposition that enables 19%-efficiency organic solar cells processed by halogen free solvents. Our auxiliary sequential deposition method is different from the conventional blend casting or sequential deposition methods in that it involves an additional casting of dithieno[3,2-b:2',3'-d]thiophene between the sequential depositions of the donor (D18-Cl) and acceptor (L8-BO) layers. The auxiliary sequential deposition method enables dramatic performance enhancement from 15% to over 18% compared to the blend casting and sequential deposition methods. Furthermore, by incorporating a branched-chain-engineered acceptor called L8-BO-X, device performance can be boosted to over 19% due to increased intermolecular packing, representing top-tier values for green-solvent processed organic solar cells. Comprehensive morphological and time-resolved characterizations reveal that the superior blend morphology achieved through the auxiliary sequential deposition method promotes charge generation while simultaneously suppressing charge recombination. This research underscores the potential of the auxiliary sequential deposition method for fabricating highly efficient organic solar cells using environmentally friendly solvents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Luo
- Department of Chemistry, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Energy Institute and Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National, Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Chemistry, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Energy Institute and Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National, Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- School of Chemistry, Beihang University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Jianquan Zhang
- School of Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Aggregate Science and Technology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 518172, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinhui Zou
- Department of Chemistry, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Energy Institute and Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National, Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Department of Physics, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Heng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049, Xi'an, China
| | - Kan Ding
- Department of Physics and Organic and Carbon Electronics Laboratories (ORaCEL), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Hui Huang
- College of New Materials and New Energies, Shenzhen Technology University, 518118, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiali Song
- School of Chemistry, Beihang University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Jicheng Yi
- Department of Chemistry, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Energy Institute and Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National, Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Han Yu
- Department of Chemistry, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Energy Institute and Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National, Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Kam Sing Wong
- Department of Physics, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Guangye Zhang
- College of New Materials and New Energies, Shenzhen Technology University, 518118, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Harald Ade
- Department of Physics and Organic and Carbon Electronics Laboratories (ORaCEL), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Wei Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049, Xi'an, China
| | - Huawei Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, 201620, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanming Sun
- School of Chemistry, Beihang University, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - He Yan
- Department of Chemistry, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Energy Institute and Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National, Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China.
- Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, 510640, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Guo C, Fu Y, Li D, Wang L, Zhou B, Chen C, Zhou J, Sun Y, Gan Z, Liu D, Li W, Wang T. A Polycrystalline Polymer Donor as Pre-Aggregate toward Ordered Molecular Aggregation for 19.3% Efficiency Binary Organic Solar Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2304921. [PMID: 37468168 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Organic semiconductors are generally featured with low structure order in solid-state films, which leads to low charge-transport mobility and strong charge recombination in their photovoltaic devices. In this work, a "polycrystal-induced aggregation" strategy orders the polymer donor (PM6) and non-fullerene acceptor (L8-BO) molecules during solution casting with the assistance of PM6 polycrystals that are incubated through a vapor diffusion method, toward improved solar cell efficiency with either thin or thick photoactive layers. These PM6 polycrystals are redissolved in chloroform to prepare PM6 pre-aggregates (PM6-PA), and further incorporated into the conventional PM6:L8-BO blend solutions, which is found to prolong the molecular organization process and enhance the aggregation of both the PM6 and the L8-BO components. As the results, with the assistance of 10% PM6-PA, PM6:L8-BO solar cell devices obtain power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) from 18.0% and 16.2% to 19.3% and 17.2% with a 100 nm-thick and 300 nm-thick photoactive layer, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanhang Guo
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yiwei Fu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Donghui Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Liang Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Bojun Zhou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Chen Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yuandong Sun
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zirui Gan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Dan Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Wei Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Tao Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
- School of Materials and Microelectronics, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Kastner J, Tomarchio F, Decorde N, Kehrer M, Hesser G, Fuchsbauer A. Integration of Inkjet Printed Graphene as a Hole Transport Layer in Organic Solar Cells. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1858. [PMID: 37893294 PMCID: PMC10608915 DOI: 10.3390/mi14101858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
This work demonstrates the green production of a graphene ink for inkjet printing and its use as a hole transport layer (HTL) in an organic solar cell. Graphene as an HTL improves the selective hole extraction at the anode and prevents charge recombination at the electronic interface and metal diffusion into the photoactive layer. Graphite was exfoliated in water, concentrated by iterative centrifugation, and characterized by Raman. The concentrated graphene ink was incorporated into inverted organic solar cells by inkjet printing on the active polymer in an ambient atmosphere. Argon plasma was used to enhance wetting of the polymer with the graphene ink during printing. The argon plasma treatment of the active polymer P3HT:PCBM was investigated by XPS, AFM and contact angle measurements. Efficiency and lifetime studies undertaken show that the device with graphene as HTL is fully functional and has good potential for an inkjet printable and flexible alternative to PEDOT:PSS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kastner
- Functional Surfaces and Nanostructures, Profactor GmbH, 4407 Steyr-Gleink, Austria
| | - Flavia Tomarchio
- Cambridge Graphene Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0FA, UK
| | - Nicolas Decorde
- Cambridge Graphene Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0FA, UK
| | - Matthias Kehrer
- Center of Surface- and Nanoanalytics, Johannes Kepler University, 4040 Linz, Austria (G.H.)
| | - Günter Hesser
- Center of Surface- and Nanoanalytics, Johannes Kepler University, 4040 Linz, Austria (G.H.)
| | - Anita Fuchsbauer
- Functional Surfaces and Nanostructures, Profactor GmbH, 4407 Steyr-Gleink, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Fan Q, Ma R, Yang J, Gao J, Bai H, Su W, Liang Z, Wu Y, Tang L, Li Y, Wu Q, Wang K, Yan L, Zhang R, Gao F, Li G, Ma W. Unidirectional Sidechain Engineering to Construct Dual-Asymmetric Acceptors for 19.23 % Efficiency Organic Solar Cells with Low Energy Loss and Efficient Charge Transfer. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202308307. [PMID: 37463122 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202308307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Achieving both high open-circuit voltage (Voc ) and short-circuit current density (Jsc ) to boost power-conversion efficiency (PCE) is a major challenge for organic solar cells (OSCs), wherein high energy loss (Eloss ) and inefficient charge transfer usually take place. Here, three new Y-series acceptors of mono-asymmetric asy-YC11 and dual-asymmetric bi-asy-YC9 and bi-asy-YC12 are developed. They share the same asymmetric D1 AD2 (D1 =thieno[3,2-b]thiophene and D2 =selenopheno[3,2-b]thiophene) fused-core but have different unidirectional sidechain on D1 side, allowing fine-tuned molecular properties, such as intermolecular interaction, packing pattern, and crystallinity. Among the binary blends, the PM6 : bi-asy-YC12 one has better morphology with appropriate phase separation and higher order packing than the PM6 : asy-YC9 and PM6 : bi-asy-YC11 ones. Therefore, the PM6 : bi-asy-YC12-based OSCs offer a higher PCE of 17.16 % with both high Voc and Jsc , due to the reduced Eloss and efficient charge transfer properties. Inspired by the high Voc and strong NIR-absorption, bi-asy-YC12 is introduced into efficient binary PM6 : L8-BO to construct ternary OSCs. Thanks to the broadened absorption, optimized morphology, and furtherly minimized Eloss , the PM6 : L8-BO : bi-asy-YC12-based OSCs achieve a champion PCE of 19.23 %, which is one of the highest efficiencies among these annealing-free devices. Our developed unidirectional sidechain engineering for constructing bi-asymmetric Y-series acceptors provides an approach to boost PCE of OSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qunping Fan
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Ruijie Ma
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao (GHM) Joint Laboratory for Photonic-Thermal-Electrical Energy Materials and Devices, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jie Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Jingshun Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhongyuan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 451191, China
| | - Hairui Bai
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Wenyan Su
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Zezhou Liang
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education & Shaanxi, Key Lab of Photonic Technique for Information, School of Electronics Science & Engineering, Faculty of Electronic and Information Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Laboratory of Advanced Optoelectronic Materials, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Novel Semiconductor-Optoelectronics Materials and Devices, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Lingxiao Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Yuxiang Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Kun Wang
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhongyuan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 451191, China
| | - Lihe Yan
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education & Shaanxi, Key Lab of Photonic Technique for Information, School of Electronics Science & Engineering, Faculty of Electronic and Information Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University, 58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University, 58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao (GHM) Joint Laboratory for Photonic-Thermal-Electrical Energy Materials and Devices, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Wei Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Liu Q, Vandewal K. Understanding and Suppressing Non-Radiative Recombination Losses in Non-Fullerene Organic Solar Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2302452. [PMID: 37201949 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202302452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Organic solar cells benefit from non-fullerene acceptors (NFA) due to their high absorption coefficients, tunable frontier energy levels, and optical gaps, as well as their relatively high luminescence quantum efficiencies as compared to fullerenes. Those merits result in high yields of charge generation at a low or negligible energetic offset at the donor/NFA heterojunction, with efficiencies over 19% achieved for single-junction devices. Pushing this value significantly over 20% requires an increase in open-circuit voltage, which is currently still well below the thermodynamic limit. This can only be achieved by reducing non-radiative recombination, and hereby increasing the electroluminescence quantum efficiency of the photo-active layer. Here, current understanding of the origin of non-radiative decay, as well as an accurate quantification of the associated voltage losses are summarized. Promising strategies for suppressing these losses are highlighted, with focus on new material design, optimization of donor-acceptor combination, and blend morphology. This review aims at guiding researchers in their quest to find future solar harvesting donor-acceptor blends, which combine a high yield of exciton dissociation with a high yield of radiative free carrier recombination and low voltage losses, hereby closing the efficiency gap with inorganic and perovskite photovoltaics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quan Liu
- Hasselt University, IMOMEC, Wetenschapspark 1, Diepenbeek, 3590, Belgium
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Energy Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
| | - Koen Vandewal
- Hasselt University, IMOMEC, Wetenschapspark 1, Diepenbeek, 3590, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Zhu C, Chung S, Zhao J, Sun Y, Zhao B, Zhao Z, Kim S, Cho K, Kan Z. Vertical Phase Regulation with 1,3,5-Tribromobenzene Leads to 18.5% Efficiency Binary Organic Solar Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303150. [PMID: 37424039 PMCID: PMC10502666 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The sequential deposition method assists the vertical phase distribution in the photoactive layer of organic solar cells, enhancing power conversion efficiencies. With this film coating approach, the morphology of both layers can be fine-tuned with high boiling solvent additives, as frequently applied in one-step casting films. However, introducing liquid additives can compromise the morphological stability of the devices due to the solvent residuals. Herein, 1,3,5-tribromobenzene (TBB) with high volatility and low cost, is used as a solid additive in the acceptor solution and combined thermal annealing to regulate the vertical phase in organic solar cells composed of D18-Cl/L8-BO. Compared to the control cells, the devices treated with TBB and those that underwent additional thermal processing exhibit increased exciton generation rate, charge carrier mobility, charge carrier lifetime, and reduced bimolecular charge recombination. As a result, the TBB-treated organic solar cells achieve a champion power conversion efficiency of 18.5% (18.1% averaged), one of the highest efficiencies in binary organic solar cells with open circuit voltage exceeding 900 mV. This study ascribes the advanced device performance to the gradient-distributed donor-acceptor concentrations in the vertical direction. The findings provide guidelines for optimizing the morphology of the sequentially deposited top layer to achieve high-performance organic solar cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaofeng Zhu
- Center on Nanoenergy ResearchGuangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Blue Energy and Systems IntegrationCarbon Peak and Neutrality Science and Technology Development InstituteSchool of Physical Science & TechnologyGuangxi UniversityNanning530004China
| | - Sein Chung
- Department of Chemical EngineeringPohang University of Science and Technology77 Cheongam‐ro, Nam‐guPohang‐si37673South Korea
| | - Jingjing Zhao
- Center on Nanoenergy ResearchGuangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Blue Energy and Systems IntegrationCarbon Peak and Neutrality Science and Technology Development InstituteSchool of Physical Science & TechnologyGuangxi UniversityNanning530004China
| | - Yuqing Sun
- Center on Nanoenergy ResearchGuangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Blue Energy and Systems IntegrationCarbon Peak and Neutrality Science and Technology Development InstituteSchool of Physical Science & TechnologyGuangxi UniversityNanning530004China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Center on Nanoenergy ResearchGuangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Blue Energy and Systems IntegrationCarbon Peak and Neutrality Science and Technology Development InstituteSchool of Physical Science & TechnologyGuangxi UniversityNanning530004China
| | - Zhenmin Zhao
- Center on Nanoenergy ResearchGuangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Blue Energy and Systems IntegrationCarbon Peak and Neutrality Science and Technology Development InstituteSchool of Physical Science & TechnologyGuangxi UniversityNanning530004China
| | - Seunghyun Kim
- Department of Chemical EngineeringPohang University of Science and Technology77 Cheongam‐ro, Nam‐guPohang‐si37673South Korea
| | - Kilwon Cho
- Department of Chemical EngineeringPohang University of Science and Technology77 Cheongam‐ro, Nam‐guPohang‐si37673South Korea
| | - Zhipeng Kan
- Center on Nanoenergy ResearchGuangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Blue Energy and Systems IntegrationCarbon Peak and Neutrality Science and Technology Development InstituteSchool of Physical Science & TechnologyGuangxi UniversityNanning530004China
- State Key Laboratory of Featured Metal Materials and Life‐cycle Safety for Composite StructuresNanning530004China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Zong X, Yang Y, Yin S. The Energy Structure of Spin States in Reducing the Nonradiative Voltage Loss in Organic Solar Cells. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:7490-7497. [PMID: 37581406 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c01918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
In organic solar cells (OSCs), the nonradiative voltage loss (ΔVnr) has been identified as a critical factor for the relatively lower open-circuit voltage. Under open-circuit conditions, most of the charge recombination processes occur via the triplet exciton state, underscoring the importance of the energy structures concerning the local exciton (LE) and charge transfer (CT) spin states. In this Letter, we propose a five-state model to explore the spin state energy structures to reduce ΔVnr. Our calculations reveal that, to minimize ΔVnr, the spin singlet state for LE should possess a lower energy than the triplet state, ES1 < ET1. In contrast, the energies of the CT spin states have a negligible effect on ΔVnr. We identify the best energy structure as ES1 < ET1 ∼ ECT1/CT3. Moreover, our calculations demonstrate that strong couplings between these spin states, particularly involving spin flip, can effectively mitigate ΔVnr. These findings present novel insights for the advancement of OSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zong
- School of Physics, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yawen Yang
- School of Physics, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, People's Republic of China
| | - Sun Yin
- School of Physics, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Balasubramanian S, León-Luna MÁ, Romero B, Madsen M, Turkovic V. Vitamin C for Photo-Stable Non-fullerene-acceptor-Based Organic Solar Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:39647-39656. [PMID: 37552771 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c06321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
The recent advent of the new class of organic molecules, the so-called non-fullerene acceptors, has resulted in skyrocketing power conversion efficiencies of organic solar cells. However, rapid degradation occurs under illumination, particularly when photocatalytic metal oxide electron transport layers are used in these devices. We introduced vitamin C (ascorbic acid) into the organic solar cells as a photostabilizer and systematically studied its photostabilizing effect on inverted PBDB-T:IT-4F devices. The presence of vitamin C as an antioxidant layer between the ZnO electron transport layer and the photoactive layer strongly suppressed the photocatalytic effect of ZnO that induces NFA photodegradation. Upon 96 h of exposure to AM 1.5G 1 Sun irradiation, the reference devices lost 64% of their initial efficiency, while those containing vitamin C lost only 38%. The UV-visible absorption, impedance spectroscopy, and light-dependent voltage and current measurements reveal that vitamin C reduces the photobleaching of NFA molecules and suppresses the charge recombination. This simple approach using a low-cost, naturally occurring antioxidant, provides an efficient strategy for improving photostability of organic semiconductor-based devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sambathkumar Balasubramanian
- SDU Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics and Thin-film Energy Devices─CAPE, Mads Clausen Institute (MCI), Alsion 2, Sønderborg 6400, Denmark
- SDU Climate Cluster, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark
| | - Miguel Ángel León-Luna
- SDU Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics and Thin-film Energy Devices─CAPE, Mads Clausen Institute (MCI), Alsion 2, Sønderborg 6400, Denmark
- SDU Climate Cluster, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark
| | - Beatriz Romero
- Electronic Technology Area, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Mostoles 28933, Spain
| | - Morten Madsen
- SDU Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics and Thin-film Energy Devices─CAPE, Mads Clausen Institute (MCI), Alsion 2, Sønderborg 6400, Denmark
- SDU Climate Cluster, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark
| | - Vida Turkovic
- SDU Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics and Thin-film Energy Devices─CAPE, Mads Clausen Institute (MCI), Alsion 2, Sønderborg 6400, Denmark
- SDU Climate Cluster, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Song G, Feng W, Li Y, Liang H, Li Z, Kan B, Wan X, Yao Z, Li C, Chen Y. Extending Se substitution to the limit: from 5S to 5Se in high-efficiency non-fullerene acceptors. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:10307-10310. [PMID: 37548238 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc02560h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Based on the newly synthesized seleno[3,2-b]selenophene unit, two near-infrared non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) of 4Se and 5Se are constructed by replacing four or all sulfurs with selenium in high-efficiency Y-series NFAs. Consequently, binary devices based on 4Se and 5Se afford PCEs of 15.17% and 15.23%, respectively, with a photoelectric response approaching 1000 nm. More excitingly, the energy loss of the 5Se-based device was as low as 0.477 eV along with almost the smallest non-radiative loss of ∼0.15 eV thus far.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangkun Song
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Wanying Feng
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Huazhe Liang
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zhixiang Li
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Bin Kan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute for Advanced Materials, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Xiangjian Wan
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zhaoyang Yao
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Chenxi Li
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yongsheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Wang Y, Zhao C, Cai Z, Wang L, Zhu L, Huang H, Zhang G, You P, Xie C, Wang Y, Bai Q, Yang T, Li S, Zhang G. All-Polymer Solar Cells Sequentially Solution Processed from Hydrocarbon Solvent with a Thick Active Layer. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3462. [PMID: 37631520 PMCID: PMC10459458 DOI: 10.3390/polym15163462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Organic solar cells (OSCs) have gained increasing attention. Among the various directions in OSCs, all-polymer solar cells (all-PSCs) have emerged as a highly promising and currently active research area due to their excellent film formation properties, mechanical properties, and thermal stabilities. However, most of the high-efficiency all-PSCs are processed from chloroform with an active layer thickness of ~100 nm. In order to meet the requirements for industrialization, a thicker active layer processed from low-vapor pressure solvents (preferentially a hydrocarbon solvent) is strongly desired. Herein, we employ toluene (a hydrocarbon solvent with a much higher boiling point than chloroform) and a method known as sequential processing (SqP) to mitigate the rapid decline in efficiency with increasing film thickness. We show that SqP enables a more favorable vertical phase segregation that leads to less trap-assisted recombination and enhanced charge extraction and lifetime than blend-cast devices at higher film thicknesses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Wang
- College of New Materials and New Energies, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China (G.Z.)
| | - Chaoyue Zhao
- College of New Materials and New Energies, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China (G.Z.)
| | - Ziqi Cai
- Julong College, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China; (Z.C.)
| | - Lihong Wang
- College of New Materials and New Energies, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China (G.Z.)
| | - Liangxiang Zhu
- College of New Materials and New Energies, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China (G.Z.)
| | - Hui Huang
- College of New Materials and New Energies, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China (G.Z.)
| | - Guoping Zhang
- College of New Materials and New Energies, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China (G.Z.)
| | - Peng You
- College of New Materials and New Energies, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China (G.Z.)
| | - Chen Xie
- College of New Materials and New Energies, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China (G.Z.)
| | - Yaping Wang
- College of New Materials and New Energies, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China (G.Z.)
| | - Qing Bai
- College of New Materials and New Energies, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China (G.Z.)
| | - Tao Yang
- Julong College, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China; (Z.C.)
| | - Shunpu Li
- College of New Materials and New Energies, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China (G.Z.)
| | - Guangye Zhang
- College of New Materials and New Energies, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China (G.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Liang H, Bi X, Chen H, He T, Lin Y, Zhang Y, Ma K, Feng W, Ma Z, Long G, Li C, Kan B, Zhang H, Rakitin OA, Wan X, Yao Z, Chen Y. A rare case of brominated small molecule acceptors for high-efficiency organic solar cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4707. [PMID: 37543678 PMCID: PMC10404295 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40423-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Given that bromine possesses similar properties but extra merits of easily synthesizing and polarizing comparing to homomorphic fluorine and chlorine, it is quite surprising very rare high-performance brominated small molecule acceptors have been reported. This may be caused by undesirable film morphologies stemming from relatively larger steric hindrance and excessive crystallinity of bromides. To maximize the advantages of bromides while circumventing weaknesses, three acceptors (CH20, CH21 and CH22) are constructed with stepwise brominating on central units rather than conventional end groups, thus enhancing intermolecular packing, crystallinity and dielectric constant of them without damaging the favorable intermolecular packing through end groups. Consequently, PM6:CH22-based binary organic solar cells render the highest efficiency of 19.06% for brominated acceptors, more excitingly, a record-breaking efficiency of 15.70% when further thickening active layers to ~500 nm. By exhibiting such a rare high-performance brominated acceptor, our work highlights the great potential for achieving record-breaking organic solar cells through delicately brominating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huazhe Liang
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Xingqi Bi
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongbin Chen
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Tengfei He
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Lin
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-dimension Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, 201620, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunxin Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute for Advanced Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, 300350, Tianjin, China
| | - Kangqiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Wanying Feng
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Zaifei Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-dimension Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, 201620, Shanghai, China
| | - Guankui Long
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute for Advanced Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, 300350, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenxi Li
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Bin Kan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute for Advanced Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, 300350, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongtao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Oleg A Rakitin
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Xiangjian Wan
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhaoyang Yao
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yongsheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 300071, Tianjin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Wan Q, Seo S, Lee SW, Lee J, Jeon H, Kim TS, Kim BJ, Thompson BC. High-Performance Intrinsically Stretchable Polymer Solar Cell with Record Efficiency and Stretchability Enabled by Thymine-Functionalized Terpolymer. J Am Chem Soc 2023. [PMID: 37220423 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c02764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Designing new polymer semiconductors for intrinsically stretchable polymer solar cells (IS-PSCs) with high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and durability is critical for wearable electronics applications. Nearly all high-performance PSCs are constructed using fully conjugated polymer donors (PD) and small-molecule acceptors (SMA). However, a successful molecular design of PDs for high-performance and mechanically durable IS-PSCs without sacrificing conjugation has not been realized. In this study, we design a novel thymine side chain terminated 6,7-difluoro-quinoxaline (Q-Thy) monomer and synthesize a series of fully conjugated PDs (PM7-Thy5, PM7-Thy10, PM7-Thy20) featuring Q-Thy. The Q-Thy units capable of inducing dimerizable hydrogen bonding enable strong intermolecular PD assembly and highly efficient and mechanically robust PSCs. The PM7-Thy10:SMA blend demonstrates a combination of high PCE (>17%) in rigid devices and excellent stretchability (crack-onset value >13.5%). More importantly, PM7-Thy10-based IS-PSCs show an unprecedented combination of PCE (13.7%) and ultrahigh mechanical durability (maintaining 80% of initial PCE after 43% strain), illustrating the promising potential for commercialization in wearable applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingpei Wan
- Department of Chemistry and Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-1661, United States
| | - Soodeok Seo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Woo Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinho Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyesu Jeon
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Taek-Soo Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Bumjoon J Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Barry C Thompson
- Department of Chemistry and Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-1661, United States
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Guan H, Liao Q, Huang T, Geng S, Cao Z, Zhang Z, Wang D, Zhang J. Solid Additive Enables Organic Solar Cells with Efficiency up to 18.6. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37193670 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c02787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Additive strategies play a critical role in improving the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). There are only a few reports on the application of solid additives for OSCs, which leaves a large space for further improvement of solid additives and further study on the relationship between material structure and property. PM6:BTP-eC9-based organic solar cells (OSCs) were prepared by using a small molecule BTA3 as a solid additive, and a high energy conversion efficiency of 18.65% is achieved. BTA3 has good compatibility with the acceptor component (BTP-eC9) and optimizes the morphology of the thin films. Moreover, the introduction of a small amount of BTA3 (5 wt %) effectively promotes exciton dissociation and charge transfer and suppresses charge recombination, and the relationship between the BTA3 content and the device parameter is deeply revealed. The use of BTA3 in the active layers is an attractive and effective strategy for high-performance OSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Guan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Electronic Information Materials and Devices (Ministry of Education), Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Materials, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Qiaogan Liao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Electronic Information Materials and Devices (Ministry of Education), Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Materials, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Tianhuan Huang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Electronic Information Materials and Devices (Ministry of Education), Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Materials, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Shuang Geng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Electronic Information Materials and Devices (Ministry of Education), Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Materials, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Ziliang Cao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Electronic Information Materials and Devices (Ministry of Education), Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Materials, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Zheling Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Electronic Information Materials and Devices (Ministry of Education), Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Materials, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Dongjie Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Electronic Information Materials and Devices (Ministry of Education), Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Materials, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Electronic Information Materials and Devices (Ministry of Education), Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Materials, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Çokduygulular E, Çetinkaya Ç, Emik S, Kınacı B. In-depth analysis on PTB7 based semi-transparent solar cell employing MoO 3/Ag/WO 3 contact for advanced optical performance and light utilization. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7548. [PMID: 37161038 PMCID: PMC10170103 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34507-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel semi-transparent organic solar cells (ST-OSC) can be designed with high average visible transmittance (AVT) while at the same time exhibiting superior photovoltaic performance. This reach requires their design to be based not only on conventional window applications but also on functional industrial applications that require exceptional optical performance. In ST-OSC, high AVT can be achieved by photonic-based dielectric/metal/dielectric (DMD) transparent contact engineering. Functional optical modification can also be made with a fine-tuned design of DMD that includes a light management engineering-based approach. Thus, ST-OSCs can be suitable for aesthetic, colourful and decorative industrial windows that provide natural lighting. In this study, we determined optimal ST-OSCs based on a novel PTB7:PC71BM polymer blend with MoO3/Ag/WO3 asymmetric DMD top contact by examining extraordinary optical properties such as AVT, colour rendering index, correlated colour temperature and colour perception over 10 thousand designs. In addition to determining the optimality and extraordinary optical limits for PTB7, we also evaluated the photon-harvesting and photovoltaic performance of ST-OSCs from external quantum efficiency and quantum utilization efficiency. In optimal situations, ST-OSCs offering 48.75% AVT, 99.08 CRI, and sky-blue colours were designed and determined to generate short-circuit current densities of 9.88 mA·cm-2, 13.64 mA·cm-2, and 13.06 mA·cm-2, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erman Çokduygulular
- Department of Engineering Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, 34320, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Çağlar Çetinkaya
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Istanbul University, 34134, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serkan Emik
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, 34320, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Barış Kınacı
- Department of Photonics, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Gazi University, 06500, Ankara, Turkey
- Photonics Application and Research Center, Gazi University, 06500, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Pang B, Liao C, Xu X, Yu L, Li R, Peng Q. Benzo[d]thiazole Based Wide Bandgap Donor Polymers Enable 19.54% Efficiency Organic Solar Cells Along with Desirable Batch-to-Batch Reproducibility and General Applicability. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2300631. [PMID: 36870079 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202300631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The limited selection pool of high-performance wide bandgap (WBG) polymer donors is a bottleneck problem of the nonfullerene acceptor (NFA) based organic solar cells (OSCs) that impedes the further improvement of their photovoltaic performances. Herein, a series of new WBG polymers, namely PH-BTz, PS-BTz, PF-BTz, and PCl-BTz, are developed by using the bicyclic difluoro-benzo[d]thiazole (BTz) as the acceptor block and benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene (BDT) derivatives as the donor units. By introducing S, F, and Cl atoms to the alkylthienyl sidechains on BDT, the resulting polymers exhibit lowered energy levels and enhanced aggregation properties. The fluorinated PBTz-F not only exhibits a low-lying HOMO level, but also has stronger face-on packing order and results in more uniform fibril-like interpenetrating networks in the related PF-BTz:L8-BO blend. A high-power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.57% is achieved. Moreover, PBTz-F also exhibits a good batch-to-batch reproducibility and general applicability. In addition, ternary blend OSCs based on the host PBTz-F:L8-BO blend and PM6 guest donor exhibits a further enhanced PCE of 19.54%, which is among the highest values of OSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Pang
- School of Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Chentong Liao
- School of Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Xiaopeng Xu
- School of Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Liyang Yu
- School of Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Ruipeng Li
- National Synchrotron Light Source II Brookhaven National Lab, Suffolk, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Qiang Peng
- School of Chemical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Guijarro FG, de la Cruz P, Khandelwal K, Singhal R, Langa F, Sharma GD. Effects of Halogenation on Cyclopentadithiophenevinylene-Based Acceptors with Excellent Responses in Binary Organic Solar Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:21296-21305. [PMID: 37073988 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c01487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, non-fused non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) have attracted increasing consideration due to several advantages, which include simple preparation, superior yield, and low cost. In the work reported here, we designed and synthesized three new NFAs with the same cyclopentadithiophenevinylene (CPDTV) trimer as the electron-donating unit and different terminal units (IC for FG10, IC-4F for FG8, and IC-4Cl for FG6). Both halogenated NFAs, i.e., FG6 and FG8, show red-shifted absorption spectra and higher electron mobilities (more pronounced for FG6) in comparison with FG10. Moreover, the dielectric constants of these materials also increased upon halogenation of the IC terminal units, thus leading to a reduction in the exciton binding energy, which is favorable for dissociation of excitons and subsequent charge transfer despite the driving force (highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital offsets) being very small. The organic solar cells (OSCs) constructed using these acceptors and PBDB-T, as the donor, showed PCE values of 15.08, 12.56, and 9.04% for FG6, FG8, and FG10, respectively. The energy loss for the FG6-based device was the lowest (0.45 eV) of all the devices, and this may be attributed to it having the highest dielectric constant, which leads to a reduction in the binding energy of exciton and a small driving force for hole transfer from FG6 to PBDB-T. The results indicate that the NFA containing the CPDTV oligomer core and halogenated terminal units can efficiently spread the absorption spectrum to the NIR zone. Non-fused NFAs have a bright future in the quest to obtain efficient OSCs with low cost for marketable purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando G Guijarro
- Instituto de Nanociencia, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Nanotecnología y Materiales Moleculares (INAMOL), Campus de la Fábrica de Armas, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Pilar de la Cruz
- Instituto de Nanociencia, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Nanotecnología y Materiales Moleculares (INAMOL), Campus de la Fábrica de Armas, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Kanupriya Khandelwal
- Department of Physics, The LNM Institute of Information Technology, Jamdoli, 302031 Jaipur, (Rai), India
| | - Rahul Singhal
- Department of Physics, Malviya National Institute of Technology, JLN Marg, 302017 Jaipur, (Raj.), India
| | - Fernando Langa
- Instituto de Nanociencia, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Nanotecnología y Materiales Moleculares (INAMOL), Campus de la Fábrica de Armas, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Ganesh D Sharma
- Department of Physics, The LNM Institute of Information Technology, Jamdoli, 302031 Jaipur, (Rai), India
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, The LNM Institute of Information Technology, Jamdoli, 302031 Jaipur, (Rai), India
| |
Collapse
|