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Tran HN, Park CB, Lee JH, Seo JH, Kim JY, Oh SH, Cho S. γ-Ray Irradiation Enables Annealing- and Light-Soaking-Free Solution Processable SnO 2 Electron Transport Layer for Inverted Organic Solar Cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2307441. [PMID: 38054784 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202307441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The electrode buffer layer is crucial for high-performance and stable OSCs, optimizing charge transport and energy level alignment at the interface between the polymer active layer and electrode. Recently, SnO2 has emerged as a promising material for the cathode buffer layer due to its desirable properties, such as high electron mobility, transparency, and stability. Typically, SnO2 nanoparticle layers require a postannealing treatment above 150°C in an air environment to remove the surfactant ligands and obtain high-quality thin films. However, this poses challenges for flexible electronics as flexible substrates can't tolerate temperatures exceeding 100°C. This study presents solution-processable and annealing-free SnO2 nanoparticles by employing y-ray irradiation to disrupt the bonding between surfactant ligands and SnO2 nanoparticles. The SnO2 layer treated with y-ray irradiation is used as an electron transport layer in OSCs based on PTB7-Th:IEICO-4F. Compared to the conventional SnO2 nanoparticles that required high-temperature annealing, the y-SnO2 nanoparticle-based devices exhibit an 11% comparable efficiency without postannealing at a high temperature. Additionally, y-ray treatment has been observed to eliminate the light-soaking effect of SnO2. By eliminating the high-temperature postannealing and light-soaking effect, y-SnO2 nanoparticles offer a promising, cost-effective solution for future flexible solar cells fabricated using roll-to-roll mass processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Nhan Tran
- Department of Physics and Energy Harvest-Storage Research Center (EHSRC), University of Ulsan, Ulsan, 44610, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Beom Park
- Department of Energy Engineering and School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hee Lee
- Department of Physics, University of Seoul, Seoul, 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hwa Seo
- Department of Physics, University of Seoul, Seoul, 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Young Kim
- Department of Energy Engineering and School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hwan Oh
- Radiation Research Division for Industry and Environment, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), Jeollabuk-do, 56212, Republic of Korea
| | - Shinuk Cho
- Department of Physics and Energy Harvest-Storage Research Center (EHSRC), University of Ulsan, Ulsan, 44610, Republic of Korea
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Li S, Fu Q, Meng L, Wan X, Ding L, Lu G, Lu G, Yao Z, Li C, Chen Y. Achieving over 18 % Efficiency Organic Solar Cell Enabled by a ZnO‐Based Hybrid Electron Transport Layer with an Operational Lifetime up to 5 Years. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202207397. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202207397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shitong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials Institute of Polymer Chemistry Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST) College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Qiang Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials Institute of Polymer Chemistry Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST) College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Lingxian Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials Institute of Polymer Chemistry Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST) College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Xiangjian Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials Institute of Polymer Chemistry Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST) College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 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 China
| | - Guanyu Lu
- Frontier Institute of Science and Technology Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi An Shi, Xi'an 710054 China
| | - Guanghao Lu
- Frontier Institute of Science and Technology Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi An Shi, Xi'an 710054 China
| | - Zhaoyang Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials Institute of Polymer Chemistry Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST) College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Chenxi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials Institute of Polymer Chemistry Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST) College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Yongsheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials Institute of Polymer Chemistry Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST) College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 China
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3
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Li S, Fu Q, Meng L, Wan X, Ding L, Lu G, Lu G, Yao Z, Li C, Chen Y. Achieving over 18% Efficiency Organic Solar Cell Enabled by a ZnO‐Based Hybrid Electron Transport Layer with an Operational Lifetime up to 5 Years. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202207397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shitong Li
- Nankai University College of Chemistry CHINA
| | - Qiang Fu
- Nankai University College of Chemistry CHINA
| | | | | | - Liming Ding
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication CHINA
| | - Guanyu Lu
- Xi'an Jiaotong University Frontier Institute of Science and Technology CHINA
| | - Guanghao Lu
- Xi'an Jiaotong University Frontier Institute of Science and Technology CHINA
| | | | - Chenxi Li
- Nankai University College of Chemistry CHINA
| | - Yongsheng Chen
- Nankai University Institute of Polymer Chemistry,College of Chemistry Weijin Rd 94 300071 Tianjin CHINA
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Zinc–Tin Oxide Film as an Earth-Abundant Material and Its Versatile Applications to Electronic and Energy Materials. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12050485. [PMID: 35629811 PMCID: PMC9145960 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12050485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Zinc–Tin Oxide (ZTO) films potentially offer desirable properties for next-generation devices and are considered promising candidates due to the following merits: (I) zinc and tin are abundant on Earth, with estimated reserves of approximately 250 million tons and 4.3 billion tons, respectively, (II) zinc and tin are harmless to the human body, and (III) large-area manufacturing with various synthesis processes is available. Considering the advantages and promises of these ZTO films, this review provides a timely overview of the progress and efforts in developing ZTO-based electronic and energy devices. This review revisits the ZTO films used for various device applications, including thin-film transistors, memory devices, solar cells, and sensors, focusing on their strong and weak points. This paper also discusses the opportunities and challenges for using ZTO films in further practical electronic and energy device applications.
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Song X, Liu G, Sun P, Liu Y, Zhu W. Zirconium-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles as Cathode Interfacial Layers for Efficiently Rigid and Flexible Organic Solar Cells. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:10616-10621. [PMID: 34699233 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c03065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Low-temperature zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are widely applied as cathode interfacial layers (CILs) for rigid and flexible organic solar cells. However, the inferior optoelectronic properties of ZnO NPs constrain the improvement in the photovoltaic performance and enhance the thickness sensitivity. Herein, upon application of this ZnO:Zr NP as a CIL for inverted device construction, the maximum power conversion efficiency (PCEmax) is increased to 17.7%, with an enhancement of 12.0% compared to that of the pristine ZnO-based devices (15.8%). A series of optoelectronic characterizations have revealed that the Zr doping methodology would enhance the charge generation and extraction process and suppress trap-assisted recombination, which is beneficial for the synergistic improvement of the thickness tolerance and shelf stability. Encouragingly, ZnO:Zr NPs can be easily fabricated through a doctor-blade coating technique with remarkable performance (16.6%). More critically, this approach can be applied to the development of high-performance flexible solar cells, with a superb PCE of 16.0%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Song
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory of Light-Electricity-Heat Energy-Converting Materials and Applications, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, P. R. China
| | - Guilin Liu
- School of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 210052, P. R. China
| | - Po Sun
- Analysis and Testing Central Facility of Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan 243032, P. R. China
| | - Yu Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory of Light-Electricity-Heat Energy-Converting Materials and Applications, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, P. R. China
| | - Weiguo Zhu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory of Light-Electricity-Heat Energy-Converting Materials and Applications, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, P. R. China
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Zhang Y, Zhao X, Han X, Li Y, Zhang Z, Li T, Xing J, Zuo X, Lin Y. Co 2+-Tuned Tin Oxide Interfaces for Enhanced Stability of Organic Solar Cells. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:3173-3179. [PMID: 33657318 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The electron transport layers (ETLs) are one of the crucial factors for realizing the high performance of inverted organic solar cells (OSCs). In inverted OSCs, zinc oxide (ZnO) is a widely used n-type semiconductor as the ETL material. However, when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, ZnO induces decomposition of organic materials. Tin dioxide (SnO2) has higher conductivity, higher electron mobility, wider bandgap, and weaker absorption of UV light, which is thought to be one of the promising ETLs. Unfortunately, a SnO2 ETL is suffering from high work function (WF), which greatly decreases the ability of charge transport and collection. Here, we induce a facile strategy to reduce the WF of SnO2 by Co2+ tuning. The Co2+-tuned SnO2 exhibits a low WF of 3.64 eV, holding high transmittance and high conductivity. The OSCs based on PM6:Y6 with a Co2+-SnO2 ETL show a notable power conversion efficiency of 15.3%, which is superior to those of the OSCs with ZnO and SnO2 ETLs. The OSCs with a Co2+-SnO2 ETL under continuous UV light and light-emitting diode irradiation exhibit a more robust photostability relative to OSCs with pristine SnO2 ETLs. The trap densities of Co2+-SnO2 films are lower than that of the SnO2 film, which may contribute to enhanced stability of OSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Xiaojun Zhao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Science, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiaona Han
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yawen Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tengfei Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Jie Xing
- School of Science, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xia Zuo
- Department of Chemistry, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yuze Lin
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Peng C, Dong P, Li X. Improvement of solution-processed Zn-Sn-O active-layer thin film transistors by novel high valence Mo doping. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 32:025207. [PMID: 32987367 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/abbc25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In this letter, the performance of Zn-Sn-O (ZTO) thin film transistors (TFTs) has been greatly improved by Mo doping as an oxygen vacancy to control the residual electrons. The results show that the TFT with 3 at% Mo doping exhibits the best electrical characteristics with a high saturation mobility of 26.53 cm2 V-1 s-1, a threshold voltage of 0.18 V, a subthreshold swing of 0.32 V dec-1 and a large switching ratio of 2 × 106. The saturation mobility and switching ratio of Mo-doped Zn-Sn-O (MZTO, 3 at%) TFTs improved almost five and two orders of magnitude compared with ZTO TFTs, respectively. Therefore, the MZTO TFT has much potential for future electrical applications with its excellent properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Peng
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Display and System Application of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Panpan Dong
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Display and System Application of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xifeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Display and System Application of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Aatif M, Tiwari JP. Futuristic electron transport layer based on multifunctional interactions of ZnO/TCNE for stable inverted organic solar cells. RSC Adv 2020; 10:42305-42317. [PMID: 35516762 PMCID: PMC9057968 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra08093d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Solution-processed inverted bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells (OSCs) are expected to play a significant role in the future of large-area flexible devices and printed electronics. In order to catch the potential of this inverted BHJ technology for use in devices, a solar cell typically requires low-resistance ohmic contact between the photoactive layers and metal electrodes, since it not only boosts performance but also protects the unstable conducting polymer-based active layer from degradation in the working environment. Interfacial engineering delivers a powerful approach to enhance the efficiency and stability of OSCs. In this study, we demonstrated the surface passivation of the ZnO electron transport layer (ETL) by an ultrathin layer of tetracyanoethylene (TCNE). We show that the TCNE film could provide a uniform and intimate interfacial contact between the ZnO and photo-active layer, simultaneously reducing the recombination of electron and holes and series resistance at the contact interface. After successful insertion of TCNE between the ZnO film and the active layer, the parameters, such as short circuit current density (J sc) and fill factor (FF), greatly improved, and also a high-power conversion efficiency (PCE) of ∼8.59% was achieved, which is ∼15% more than that of the reference devices without a TCNE layer. The devices fabricated were based on a poly[[4,8-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2-b : 4,5-b']dithiophene-2,6-diyl]-[3-fluoro-2[(2-ethylhexyl)-carbonyl]-thieno[3,4-b]thiophenediyl]] (PTB7):(6,6)-phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) blend system. These results suggest that this surface modification strategy could be readily extended in developing large-scale roll-to-roll fabrication of OSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Aatif
- Advanced Materials and Devices Metrology Division (Photovoltaic Metrology Group), CSIR-National Physical Laboratory New Delhi 110012 India +91-11-4560-8640.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) CSIR-HRDC Campus Ghaziabad 201002 India
| | - J P Tiwari
- Advanced Materials and Devices Metrology Division (Photovoltaic Metrology Group), CSIR-National Physical Laboratory New Delhi 110012 India +91-11-4560-8640.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) CSIR-HRDC Campus Ghaziabad 201002 India
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Chen YC, Lin CH, Guo TF, Wen TC. Surfactant-Enriched ZnO Surface via Sol-Gel Process for the Efficient Inverted Polymer Solar Cell. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:26805-26811. [PMID: 30009608 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b09295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we demonstrate that the top surface is enriched by surfactants, tetraoctylammonium bromide, and cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB), in the sol-gel ZnO, being evidenced by the Br depth profile of electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis data. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results showed the formation of Zn-Br bonding due to the oxygen defects occupied by Br at the surfactant-enriched ZnO surface. The surfactant-enriched ZnO surface possessed a smoother surface and more hydrophobicity than the pristine ZnO from the experimental results of atomic force microscopy and contact angle, respectively. On the basis of ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy data, the work function slightly reduced due to the dipole built-up by the electrostatic force between Br- and N+ to enhance the electron extraction ability. The improved properties benefited the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of bulk-heterojunction polymer solar cells (PSCs) by spin-coating the active layer on the surfactant-enriched ZnO surface. The inverted PSCs with the surfactant-enriched ZnO surface showed the highest PCE of 9.55% for the CPB case, in comparison with the pristine ZnO surface (8.08% PCE). This study discloses that turning the ZnO surface is easily achieved by the addition of surfactants with different molecular structures in the sol-gel ZnO for high performance polymer solar cells.
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Park E, Seo J, Han H, Kim H, Kim Y. High-Efficiency Polymer:Nonfullerene Solar Cells with Quaterthiophene-Containing Polyimide Interlayers. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2018; 5:1800331. [PMID: 30128242 PMCID: PMC6097094 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201800331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Interfacial layers (interlayers) are one of the emerging approaches in organic solar cells with bulk heterojunction (BHJ) layers because the solar cell efficiency can be additionally improved by their presence. However, less attention is paid to the use of interlayers for polymer:nonfullerene solar cells, which have strong advantages over polymer:fullerene solar cells. In addition, most polymers used for the interlayers possess a low glass transition temperature (Tg). Here, it is demonstrated that two types of quarterthiophene-containing polyimides (PIs) with high Tg (>198 °C), which are synthesized using pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and cyclobutane-1,2,3,4-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (CTCDA), can act as an interfacial layer in the polymer:nonfullerene solar cells with the BHJ layers of poly[(2,6-(4,8-bis(5-(2-ethylhexyl)thiophen-2-yl)-benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene))-alt-(5,5-(1',3'-di-2-thienyl-5',7'-bis(2-ethylhexyl)benzo[1',2'-c:4',5'-c']dithiophene-4,8-dione))] (PBDB-T) and 3,9-bis(2-methylene(3-(1,1-dicyanomethylene)-indanone))-5,5,11,11-tetrakis(4-hexylphenyl)-dithieno[2,3-d:2',3'-d']-s-indaceno[1,2-b:5,6-b']dithiophene) (ITIC), or (3-(1,1-dicyanomethylene)-1-methyl-indanone)-5,5,11,11-tetrakis(4-hexylphenyl)-dithieno[2,3-d:2',3'-d']-s-indaceno[1,2-b:5,6-b']-dithiophene) (IT-M). Interestingly, the efficiency and stability of devices are improved by the PMDA-based PI interlayers with a stretched chain structure but degraded by the CTCDA-based PI interlayers with a bended chain structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Euyoung Park
- Organic Nanoelectronics LaboratoryKNU Institute for Nanophotonics Applications (KINPA)Department of Chemical EngineeringSchool of Applied Chemical EngineeringKyungpook National UniversityDaegu41566Republic of Korea
| | - Jooyeok Seo
- Organic Nanoelectronics LaboratoryKNU Institute for Nanophotonics Applications (KINPA)Department of Chemical EngineeringSchool of Applied Chemical EngineeringKyungpook National UniversityDaegu41566Republic of Korea
| | - Hyemi Han
- Organic Nanoelectronics LaboratoryKNU Institute for Nanophotonics Applications (KINPA)Department of Chemical EngineeringSchool of Applied Chemical EngineeringKyungpook National UniversityDaegu41566Republic of Korea
| | - Hwajeong Kim
- Organic Nanoelectronics LaboratoryKNU Institute for Nanophotonics Applications (KINPA)Department of Chemical EngineeringSchool of Applied Chemical EngineeringKyungpook National UniversityDaegu41566Republic of Korea
- Priority Research CenterResearch Institute of Advanced Energy TechnologyKyungpook National UniversityDaegu41566Republic of Korea
| | - Youngkyoo Kim
- Organic Nanoelectronics LaboratoryKNU Institute for Nanophotonics Applications (KINPA)Department of Chemical EngineeringSchool of Applied Chemical EngineeringKyungpook National UniversityDaegu41566Republic of Korea
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Wei J, Ji G, Zhang C, Yan L, Luo Q, Wang C, Chen Q, Yang J, Chen L, Ma CQ. Silane-Capped ZnO Nanoparticles for Use as the Electron Transport Layer in Inverted Organic Solar Cells. ACS NANO 2018; 12:5518-5529. [PMID: 29883102 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b01178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are widely used as electron- transport layer (ETL) materials in organic solar cells and are considered to be the candidate with the most potential for ETLs in roll-to-roll (R2R)-printed photovoltaics. However, the tendency of the nanoparticles to aggregate reduces the stability of the metal oxide inks and creates many surface defects, which is a major barrier to its printing application. With the aim of improving the stability of metal oxide nanoparticle dispersions and suppressing the formation of surface defects, we prepared 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS)-capped ZnO (ZnO@APTMS) nanoparticles through surface ligand exchange. The ZnO@APTMS nanoparticles exhibited excellent dispersibility in ethanol, an environmentally friendly solvent, and remained stable in air for at least one year without any aggregation. The capping of the ZnO nanoparticles with APTMS also reduced the number of surface-adsorbed oxygen defects, improved the charge transfer efficiency, and suppressed the light-soaking effect. The thickness of the ZnO@APTMS ETL could reach 100 nm without an obvious decrease in the performance. Large-area APTMS-modified ZnO films were successfully fabricated through roll-to-roll microgravure printing and exhibited good performance in flexible organic solar cells. This work demonstrated the distinct advantages of this ZnO@APTMS ETL as a potential buffer layer for printed organic electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Wei
- Printable Electronics Research Center (SINANO) , Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology , Suzhou , 215123 , People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , 100049 , People's Republic of China
| | - Guoqi Ji
- Printable Electronics Research Center (SINANO) , Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology , Suzhou , 215123 , People's Republic of China
| | - Chujun Zhang
- Hunan Key Laboratory for Super Microstructure and Ultrafast Process, School of Physics and Electronics , Central South University , Changsha , 410083 , Hunan , People's Republic of China
| | - Lingpeng Yan
- Printable Electronics Research Center (SINANO) , Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology , Suzhou , 215123 , People's Republic of China
| | - Qun Luo
- Printable Electronics Research Center (SINANO) , Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology , Suzhou , 215123 , People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Wang
- i-lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Suzhou , 215123 , People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Chen
- i-lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Suzhou , 215123 , People's Republic of China
| | - Junliang Yang
- Hunan Key Laboratory for Super Microstructure and Ultrafast Process, School of Physics and Electronics , Central South University , Changsha , 410083 , Hunan , People's Republic of China
| | - Liwei Chen
- i-lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Suzhou , 215123 , People's Republic of China
| | - Chang-Qi Ma
- Printable Electronics Research Center (SINANO) , Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology , Suzhou , 215123 , People's Republic of China
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Huang YJ, Chen HC, Lin HK, Wei KH. Doping ZnO Electron Transport Layers with MoS 2 Nanosheets Enhances the Efficiency of Polymer Solar Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:20196-20204. [PMID: 29783839 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b06413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we incorporated molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets into sol-gel processing of zinc oxide (ZnO) to form ZnO:MoS2 composites for use as electron transport layers (ETLs) in inverted polymer solar cells featuring a binary bulk heterojunction active layer. We could effectively tune the energy band of the ZnO:MoS2 composite film from 4.45 to 4.22 eV by varying the content of MoS2 up to 0.5 wt %, such that the composite was suitable for use in bulk heterojunction photovoltaic devices based on poly[bis(5-(2-ethylhexyl)thien-2-yl)benzodithiophene- alt-(4-(2-ethylhexyl)-3-fluorothienothiophene)-2-carboxylate-2,6-diyl] (PTB7-TH)/phenyl-C71-butryric acid methyl ester (PC71BM). In particular, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the PTB7-TH/PC71BM (1:1.5, w/w) device incorporating the ZnO:MoS2 (0.5 wt %) composite layer as the ETL was 10.1%, up from 8.8% for the corresponding device featuring ZnO alone as the ETL, a relative increase of 15%. Incorporating a small amount of MoS2 nanosheets into the ETL altered the morphology of the ETL and resulted in enhanced current densities, fill factors, and PCEs for the devices. We used ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, synchrotron grazing incidence wide-/small-angle X-ray scattering, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy to characterize the energy band structures, internal structures, surface roughness, and morphologies, respectively, of the ZnO:MoS2 composite films.
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Li J, Duan C, Wang N, Zhao C, Han W, Jiang L, Wang J, Zhao Y, Huang C, Jiu T. Controllable Spatial Configuration on Cathode Interface for Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance and Device Stability. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:17401-17408. [PMID: 29708336 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b19429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The molecular structure of cathode interface modification materials can affect the surface morphology of the active layer and key electron transfer processes occurring at the interface of polymer solar cells in inverted structures mostly due to the change of molecular configuration. To investigate the effects of spatial configuration of the cathode interfacial modification layer on polymer solar cells device performances, we introduced two novel organic ionic salts (linear NS2 and three-dimensional (3D) NS4) combined with the ZnO film to fabricate highly efficient inverted solar cells. Both organic ionic salts successfully decreased the surface traps of the ZnO film and made its work function more compatible. Especially NS4 in three-dimensional configuration increased the electron mobility and extraction efficiency of the interfacial film, leading to a significant improvement of device performance. Power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.09% based on NS4 was achieved. Moreover, 3D interfacial modification could retain about 92% of its initial PCE over 160 days. It is proposed that 3D interfacial modification retards the element penetration-induced degradation without impeding the electron transfer from the active layer to the ZnO film, which significantly improves device stability. This indicates that inserting three-dimensional organic ionic salt is an efficient strategy to enhance device performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangsheng Li
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Qingdao 266101 , P. R. China
| | - Chenghao Duan
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Qingdao 266101 , P. R. China
| | - Ning Wang
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Qingdao 266101 , P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , P. R. China
| | - Chengjie Zhao
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Qingdao 266101 , P. R. China
| | - Wei Han
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Institute of Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190 , P. R. China
| | - Li Jiang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Institute of Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190 , P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , P. R. China
| | - Jizheng Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Institute of Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190 , P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , P. R. China
| | - Yingjie Zhao
- Qingdao University of Science and Technology , Qingdao 266042 , P. R. China
| | - Changshui Huang
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Qingdao 266101 , P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , P. R. China
| | - Tonggang Jiu
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Qingdao 266101 , P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , P. R. China
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