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Duan T, Wang J, Zuo X, Bi X, Zhong C, Li Y, Long Y, Tu K, Zhang W, Yang K, Zhou H, Wan X, Zhao Y, Kan B, Chen Y. The anti-correlation effect of alkyl chain size on the photovoltaic performance of centrally extended non-fullerene acceptors. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024; 11:4413-4423. [PMID: 38946704 DOI: 10.1039/d4mh00699b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Contrary to previous results, a unique anti-correlation effect of the alkyl chain size on the photovoltaic performance of acceptors was observed. For a centrally-extended acceptor, replacing linear alkyl chains (n-undecyl for CH-BBQ) on the thienothiophene unit with branched ones (2-butyloctyl for CH-BO) leads to a plunge in the power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells (18.12% vs. 11.34% for binary devices), while the largely shortened ones (n-heptyl for CH-HP) bring a surge in performance (18.74%/19.44% for binary/ternary devices). Compared with CH-BO, the more compact intermolecular packing of CH-HP facilitates carrier transport. The characterization of organic field effect transistors and carrier dynamics also echoes the above results. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that the encounter of the branched alkyl chains and the extended central core hinders the effective interfacial interaction of polymer donors and acceptors, thus deteriorating the device performance. This work suggests that the conventional strategy for alkyl chain engineering of Y-series acceptors might need to be reconsidered in other molecular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tainan Duan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute for Advanced Materials, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Jia Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute for Advanced Materials, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
| | - Xiaochan Zuo
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials and Devices, Department of Materials Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, 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, Tianjin, 300071, China.
| | - Cheng Zhong
- Hubei Key Laboratory on Organic and Polymeric Opto-electronic Materials, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| | - Yulu Li
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Yuhong Long
- 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.
| | - Kaihuai Tu
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Weichao Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Ke Yang
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Huiqiong Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P. R. 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.
| | - Yan Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials and Devices, Department of Materials Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China.
| | - Bin Kan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute for Advanced Materials, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, 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.
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Jia X, Li Y, Cao X, Bi X, Zhao W, Yao Z, Long G, Kan B, Guo Y, Li C, Wan X, Chen Y. Delicate Regulation of Central Substituents Boosts Organic Photovoltaic Performance of Dimeric Acceptors. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2405925. [PMID: 39225373 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202405925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Dimeric acceptors are expected to satisfy both excellent power conversion efficiency (PCE) and operational stability of organic solar cells (OSCs). However, comparing to highly planar and symmetrical monomer-like acceptors, the quite different steric/spatial configurations of dimeric acceptors affect device outcomes greatly. Herein, on basis of the same dimeric molecular platform that constructed by bridging central units of two monomer-like acceptor, diverse substituents (─OCH3 for D1, ─CH3 for D2, and ─CF3 for D3) are grafted on central units to regulate the three dimensions (3D) geometries of dimeric acceptors delicately. A systematic investigation reveals the substituent-dependent variation of energy level, absorption, and molecular packing behavior. Consequently, D2 acceptor, characteristic of more favorable configuration, affords a superior film morphology and charge transfer/transport dynamics in resulting OSCs, thus yielding an excellent PCE of 17.50% along with a good long-term stability. This work manifests the crucially important role of central substituents in constructing high-performance dimeric acceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Jia
- 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
| | - Xiangjian Cao
- 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
| | - 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, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Wenkai Zhao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute for Advanced Materials, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, 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
| | - Guankui Long
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute for Advanced Materials, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Bin Kan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute for Advanced Materials, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Yaxiao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes and Key Laboratory of Hollow Fiber Membrane Materials and Membrane Processes (MOE), School of Chemistry, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, 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
| | - 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
| | - 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
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3
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Zhang B, Jiang M, Mao P, Wang S, Gui R, Wang Y, Woo HY, Yin H, Wang JL, An Q. Manipulating Alkyl Inner Side Chain of Acceptor for Efficient As-Cast Organic Solar Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2405718. [PMID: 39014920 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202405718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
As-cast organic solar cells (OSCs) possess tremendous potential for low-cost commercial applications. Herein, five small-molecule acceptors (A1-A5) are designed and synthesized by selectively and elaborately extending the alkyl inner side chain flanking on the pyrrole motif to prepare efficient as-cast devices. As the extension of the alkyl chain, the absorption spectra of the films are gradually blue-shifted from A1 to A5 along with slightly uplifted lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels, which is conducive for optimizing the trade-off between short-circuit current density and open-circuit voltage of the devices. Moreover, a longer alkyl chain improves compatibility between the acceptor and donor. The in situ technique clarifies that good compatibility will prolong molecular assembly time and assist in the preferential formation of the donor phase, where the acceptor precipitates in the framework formed by the donor. The corresponding film-formation dynamics facilitate the realization of favorable film morphology with a suitable fibrillar structure, molecular stacking, and vertical phase separation, resulting in an incremental fill factor from A1 to A5-based devices. Consequently, the A3-based as-cast OSCs achieve a top-ranked efficiency of 18.29%. This work proposes an ingenious strategy to manipulate intermolecular interactions and control the film-formation process for constructing high-performance as-cast devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectric/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 Photoelectric/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Peng Mao
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectric/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Analysis & Testing Center, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 10081, China
| | - Ruohua Gui
- School of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Yingqi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectric/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Han Young Woo
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul, 136-713, Republic of Korea
| | - Hang Yin
- School of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Jin-Liang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectric/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 Photoelectric/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
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4
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Luo Z, Wei W, Ma R, Ran G, Jee MH, Chen Z, Li Y, Zhang W, Woo HY, Yang C. Approaching 20% Efficiency in Ortho-Xylene Processed Organic Solar Cells by a Benzo[a]phenazine-Core-Based 3D Network Acceptor with Large Electronic Coupling and Long Exciton Diffusion Length. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2407517. [PMID: 39139022 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202407517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
High-performance organic solar cells often rely on halogen-containing solvents, which restrict the photovoltaic industry. Therefore, it is imperative to develop efficient organic photovoltaic materials compatible with halogen-free solvents. Herein, a series of benzo[a]phenazine (BP)-core-based small-molecule acceptors (SMAs) achieved through an isomerization chlorination strategy is presented, comprising unchlorinated NA1, 10-chlorine substituted NA2, 8-chlorine substituted NA3, and 7-chlorine substituted NA4. Theoretical simulations highlight NA3's superior orbit overlap length and tight molecular packing, attributed to interactions between the end group and BP unit. Furthermore, NA3 demonstrates dense 3D network structures and a record electronic coupling of 104.5 meV. These characteristics empower the ortho-xylene (o-XY) processed PM6:NA3 device with superior power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.94%, surpassing PM6:NA1 (15.34%), PM6:NA2 (7.18%), and PM6:NA4 (16.02%). Notably, the significantly lower PCE in the PM6:NA2 device is attributed to excessive self-aggregation characteristics of NA2 in o-XY. Importantly, the incorporation of D18-Cl into the PM6:NA3 binary blend enhances crystallographic ordering and increases the exciton diffusion length of the donor phase, resulting in a ternary device efficiency of 19.75% (certified as 19.39%). These findings underscore the significance of incorporating new electron-deficient units in the design of efficient SMAs tailored for environmentally benign solvent processing of OSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghui Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Energy Materials Service Safety, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of New Information Display and Storage Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Weifei Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Energy Materials Service Safety, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of New Information Display and Storage Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Ruijie Ma
- Department of Electronic and Information 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
| | - Guangliu Ran
- Department of Physics and Applied Optics Beijing Area Major Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Min Hun Jee
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Korea University, Seoul, 136-713, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhanxiang Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Energy Materials Service Safety, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of New Information Display and Storage Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Yuxiang Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Wenkai Zhang
- Department of Physics and Applied Optics Beijing Area Major Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Han Young Woo
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Korea University, Seoul, 136-713, Republic of Korea
| | - Chuluo Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Energy Materials Service Safety, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of New Information Display and Storage Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
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Cui M, Rong Q, Wang R, Ye D, Li N, Nian L. Zirconium Oxide Doped Organosilica Nanodots as Light- and Charge-Management Cathode Interlayer for Highly Efficient and Stable Inverted Organic Solar Cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2311339. [PMID: 38529739 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202311339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
In this work, it is reported that zirconium oxide (ZrO2) doped organosilica nanodots (OSiNDs: ZrO2) with light- and charge-management properties serve as efficient cathode interlayers for high-efficiency inverted organic solar cells (i-OSCs). ZrO2 doping effectively improves the light harvesting of the active layer, the physical contact between the active layer, as well as the electron collection property by habiting charge recombination loss. Consequently, all devices utilizing the OSiNDs: ZrO2 cathode interlayer exhibit enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE). Specifically, i-OSCs based on PM6:Y6 and PM6:BTP-eC9 achieve remarkable PCEs of 17.16% and 18.43%, respectively. Furthermore, the PCE of device based on PM6:Y6 maintains over 97.2% of its original value following AM 1.5G illumination (including UV light) at 100 mW cm-2 for 600 min.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Cui
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology & Institute of Electronic Paper Displays, South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China
| | - Qikun Rong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology & Institute of Electronic Paper Displays, South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Guangxi Key Lab of Agricultural Resources Chemistry and Biotechnology, College of Chemistry and Food Science, Yulin Normal University, 1303 Jiaoyudong Road, Yulin, 537000, China
| | - Dechao Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology & Institute of Electronic Paper Displays, South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Na Li
- School of Information and Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Li Nian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology & Institute of Electronic Paper Displays, South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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Bi X, Cao X, He T, Liang H, Yao Z, Yang J, Guo Y, Long G, Kan B, Li C, Wan X, Chen Y. What is the Limit Size of 2D Conjugated Extension on Central Units of Small Molecular Acceptors in Organic Solar Cells? SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2401054. [PMID: 38488748 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202401054] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
2D conjugated extension on central units of small molecular acceptors (SMAs) has gained great successes in reaching the state-of-the-art organic photovoltaics. Whereas the limit size of 2D central planes and their dominant role in constructing 3D intermolecular packing networks are still elusive. Thus, by exploring a series of SMAs with gradually enlarged central planes, it is demonstrated that, at both single molecular and aggerated levels, there is an unexpected blue-shift for their film absorption but preferable reorganization energies, exciton lifetimes and binding energies with central planes enlarging, especially when comparing to their Y6 counterpart. More importantly, the significance of well-balanced molecular packing modes involving both central and end units is first disclosed through a systematic single crystal analysis, indicating that when the ratio of central planes area/end terminals area is no more than 3 likely provides a preferred 3D intermolecular packing network of SMAs. By exploring the limit size of 2D central planes, This work indicates that the structural profiles of ideal SMAs may require suitable central unit size together with proper heteroatom replacement instead of directly overextending 2D central planes to the maximum. These results will likely provide some guidelines for future better molecular design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingqi Bi
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Tianjin Key Laboratory of functional polymer materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xiangjian Cao
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Tianjin Key Laboratory of functional polymer materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Tengfei He
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Tianjin Key Laboratory of functional polymer materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Huazhe Liang
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Tianjin Key Laboratory of functional polymer materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Zhaoyang Yao
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Tianjin Key Laboratory of functional polymer materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jinyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Tianjin Key Laboratory of functional polymer materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yaxiao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, School of Chemistry, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Guankui Long
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute for Advanced Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Bin Kan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute for Advanced Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Chenxi Li
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Tianjin Key Laboratory of functional polymer materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xiangjian Wan
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Tianjin Key Laboratory of functional polymer materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yongsheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Tianjin Key Laboratory of functional polymer materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
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7
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Liu H, Geng Y, Xiao Z, Ding L, Du J, Tang A, Zhou E. The Development of Quinoxaline-Based Electron Acceptors for High Performance Organic Solar Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2404660. [PMID: 38890789 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202404660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
In the recent advances of organic solar cells (OSCs), quinoxaline (Qx)-based nonfullerene acceptors (QxNFAs) have attracted lots of attention and enabled the recorded power conversion efficiency approaching 20%. As an excellent electron-withdrawing unit, Qx possesses advantages of many modifiable sites, wide absorption range, low reorganization energy, and so on. To develop promising QxNFAs to further enhance the photovoltaic performance of OSCs, it is necessary to systematically summarize the QxNFAs reported so far. In this review, all the focused QxNFAs are classified into five categories as following: SM-Qx, YQx, fused-YQx, giant-YQx, and polymer-Qx according to the molecular skeletons. The molecular design concepts, relationships between the molecular structure and optoelectronic properties, intrinsic mechanisms of device performance are discussed in detail. At the end, the advantages of this kind of materials are summed up, the molecular develop direction is prospected, the challenges faced by QxNFAs are given, and constructive solutions to the existing problems are advised. Overall, this review presents unique viewpoints to conquer the challenge of QxNFAs and thus boost OSCs development further toward commercial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxing Liu
- Henan Institute of Advanced Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yanfang Geng
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Zuo Xiao
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Liming Ding
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Jimin Du
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anyang Normal University, Anyang, Henan Province, 455002, China
| | - Ailing Tang
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Erjun Zhou
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
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8
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Xiang H, Sun F, Zheng X, Gao B, Zhu P, Cong T, Li Y, Wang X, Yang R. Tackling Energy Loss in Organic Solar Cells via Volatile Solid Additive Strategy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2401330. [PMID: 38634564 PMCID: PMC11220641 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The energy loss induced open-circuit voltage (VOC) deficit hampers the rapid development of state-of-the-art organic solar cells (OSCs), therefore, it is extremely urgent to explore effective strategies to address this issue. Herein, a new volatile solid additive 1,4-bis(iodomethyl)cyclohexane (DIMCH) featured with concentrated electrostatic potential distribution is utilized to act as a morphology-directing guest to reduce energy loss in multiple state-of-art blend system, leading to one of highest efficiency (18.8%) at the forefront of reported binary OSCs. Volatile DIMCH decreases radiative/non-radiative recombination induced energy loss (ΔE2/ΔE3) by rationally balancing the crystallinity of donors and acceptors and realizing homogeneous network structure of crystal domain with reduced D-A phase separation during the film formation process and weakens energy disorder and trap density in OSCs. It is believed that this study brings not only a profound understanding of emerging volatile solid additives but also a new hope to further reduce energy loss and improve the performance of OSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Chemical Materials and Devices (Ministry of Education)School of Optoelectronic Materials and TechnologyJianghan UniversityWuhan430056China
| | - Fengbo Sun
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Chemical Materials and Devices (Ministry of Education)School of Optoelectronic Materials and TechnologyJianghan UniversityWuhan430056China
| | - Xufan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Chemical Materials and Devices (Ministry of Education)School of Optoelectronic Materials and TechnologyJianghan UniversityWuhan430056China
| | - Bowen Gao
- Key Laboratory for Green Process of Ministry of EducationSchool of Chemical Engineering and PharmacyWuhan Institute of TechnologyWuhan430205China
| | - Panpan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Chemical Materials and Devices (Ministry of Education)School of Optoelectronic Materials and TechnologyJianghan UniversityWuhan430056China
| | - Tingting Cong
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Chemical Materials and Devices (Ministry of Education)School of Optoelectronic Materials and TechnologyJianghan UniversityWuhan430056China
| | - Yuda Li
- Key Laboratory for Green Process of Ministry of EducationSchool of Chemical Engineering and PharmacyWuhan Institute of TechnologyWuhan430205China
| | - Xunchang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Chemical Materials and Devices (Ministry of Education)School of Optoelectronic Materials and TechnologyJianghan UniversityWuhan430056China
| | - Renqiang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Chemical Materials and Devices (Ministry of Education)School of Optoelectronic Materials and TechnologyJianghan UniversityWuhan430056China
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9
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Zhang Z, Xu C, Sun Q, Zhu Y, Yan W, Cai G, Li Y, Si W, Lu X, Xu W, Yang Y, Lin Y. Delocalizing Excitation for Highly-Active Organic Photovoltaic Catalysts. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202402343. [PMID: 38639055 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202402343] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Localized excitation in traditional organic photocatalysts typically prevents the generation and extraction of photo-induced free charge carriers, limiting their activity enhancement under illumination. Here, we enhance delocalized photoexcitation of small molecular photovoltaic catalysts by weakening their electron-phonon coupling via rational fluoro-substitution. The optimized 2FBP-4F catalyst we develop here exhibits a minimized Huang-Rhys factor of 0.35 in solution, high dielectric constant and strong crystallization in the solid state. As a result, the energy barrier for exciton dissociation is decreased, and more importantly, polarons are unusually observed in 2FBP-4F nanoparticles (NPs). With the increased hole transfer efficiency and prolonged charge carrier lifetime highly related to enhanced exciton delocalization, the PM6 : 2FBP-4F heterojunction NPs at varied concentration exhibit much higher optimized photocatalytic activity (207.6-561.8 mmol h-1 g-1) for hydrogen evolution than the control PM6 : BP-4F and PM6 : 2FBP-6F NPs, as well as other reported photocatalysts under simulated solar light (AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm-2).
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Chaoying Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Qianlu Sun
- Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yufan Zhu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Wenlong Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Guilong Cai
- Department of Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong, 999077, 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
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wenqin Si
- 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
| | - Xinhui Lu
- Department of Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Weigao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ye Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, 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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10
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Xie M, Wei Z, Lu K. Quinoxaline-based Y-type acceptors for organic solar cells. Chem Sci 2024; 15:8265-8279. [PMID: 38846384 PMCID: PMC11151842 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc01481b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Minimizing energy loss plays a critical role in the quest for high-performance organic solar cells (OSCs). However, the origin of large energy loss in OCSs is complicated, involving the strong exciton binding energy of organic semiconductors, nonradiative charge-transfer state decay, defective molecular stacking network, and so on. The recently developed quinoxaline (Qx)-based acceptors have attracted extensive interest due to their low reorganization energy, high structural modification possibilities, and distinctive molecular packing modes, which contribute to reduced energy loss and superior charge generation/transport, thus improving the photovoltaic performance of OSCs. This perspective summarizes the design strategies of Qx-based acceptors (including small-molecule, giant dimeric and polymeric acceptors) and the resulting optoelectronic properties and device performance. In addition, the ternary strategy of introducing Qx-based acceptors as the third component to reduce energy loss is briefly discussed. Finally, some perspectives for the further exploration of Qx-based acceptors toward efficient, stable, and industry-compatible OSCs are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Xie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology Beijing 100190 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 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
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 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
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
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11
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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; 36: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.
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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
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12
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Bi X, Li S, He T, Chen H, Li Y, Jia X, Cao X, Guo Y, Yang Y, Ma W, Yao Z, Kan B, Li C, Wan X, Chen Y. Balancing Flexible Side Chains on 2D Conjugated Acceptors Enables High-Performance Organic Solar Cell. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2311561. [PMID: 38546001 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202311561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Balancing the rigid backbones and flexible side chains of light-harvesting materials is crucially important to reach optimized intermolecular packing, micromorphology, and thus photovoltaic performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, based on a distinctive CH-series acceptor platform with 2D conjugation extended backbones, a series of nonfullerene acceptors (CH-6F-Cn) are synthesized by delicately tuning the lengths of flexible side chains from n-octyl to n-amyl. A systemic investigation has revealed that the variation of the side chain's length can not only modulate intermolecular packing modes and crystallinity but also dramatically improve the micromorphology of the active layer and eventual photovoltaic parameters of OSCs. Consequently, the highest PCE of 18.73% can be achieved by OSCs employing D18:PM6:CH-6F-C8 as light-harvesting materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingqi Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, Tianjin Key Laboratory of functional polymer materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Shitong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, Tianjin Key Laboratory of functional polymer materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Tengfei He
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, Tianjin Key Laboratory of functional polymer materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Hongbin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, Tianjin Key Laboratory of functional polymer materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, Tianjin Key Laboratory of functional polymer materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xinyuan Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, Tianjin Key Laboratory of functional polymer materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xiangjian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, Tianjin Key Laboratory of functional polymer materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yaxiao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, School of Chemistry, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Yang Yang
- The Institute of Seawater Desalination and Multipurpose Utilization, Ministry of Natural Resources (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Wei Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Zhaoyang Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, Tianjin Key Laboratory of functional polymer materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Bin Kan
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, Tianjin Key Laboratory of functional polymer materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Chenxi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, Tianjin Key Laboratory of functional polymer materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xiangjian Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, Tianjin Key Laboratory of functional polymer materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yongsheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, Tianjin Key Laboratory of functional polymer materials, College of Chemistry, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
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13
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Liu H, Xin Y, Suo Z, Yang L, Zou Y, Cao X, Hu Z, Kan B, Wan X, Liu Y, Chen Y. Dipole Moments Regulation of Biphosphonic Acid Molecules for Self-assembled Monolayers Boosts the Efficiency of Organic Solar Cells Exceeding 19.7. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:14287-14296. [PMID: 38718348 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
PEDOT PSS has been widely used as a hole extraction layer (HEL) in organic solar cells (OSCs). However, their acidic nature can potentially corrode the indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode over time, leading to adverse effects on the longevity of the OSCs. Herein, we have developed a class of biphosphonic acid molecules with tunable dipole moments for self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), namely, 3-BPIC(i), 3-BPIC, and 3-BPIC-F, which exhibit an increasing dipole moment in sequence. Compared to centrosymmetric 3-BPIC(i), the axisymmetric 3-BPIC and 3-BPIC-F exhibit higher adsorption energies (Eads) with ITO, shorter interface spacing, more uniform coverage on ITO surface, and better interfacial compatibility with the active layer. Thanks to the incorporation of fluorine atoms, 3-BPIC-F exhibits a deeper highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level and a larger dipole moment compared to 3-BPIC, resulting in an enlarged work function (WF) for the ITO/3-BPIC-F substrate. These advantages of 3-BPIC-F could not only improve hole extraction within the device but also lower the interfacial impedance and reduce nonradiative recombination at the interface. As a result, the OSCs using SAM based on 3-BPIC-F obtained a record high efficiency of 19.71%, which is higher than that achieved from the cells based on 3-BPIC(i) (13.54%) and 3-BPIC (19.34%). Importantly, 3-BPIC-F-based OSCs exhibit significantly enhanced stability compared to that utilizing PEDOT:PSS as HEL. Our work offers guidance for the future design of functional molecules for SAMs to realize even higher performance in organic solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Liu
- The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yufei Xin
- The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zhaochen Suo
- The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Microelectronic Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yu Zou
- The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiangjian Cao
- The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Ziyang Hu
- Department of Microelectronic Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Bin Kan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute for Advanced Materials, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xiangjian Wan
- The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yongsheng Liu
- The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yongsheng Chen
- The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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14
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Wang G, Wang J, Cui Y, Chen Z, Wang W, Yu Y, Zhang T, Ma L, Xiao Y, Qiao J, Xu Y, Hao XT, Hou J. Achieving High Fill Factor in Organic Photovoltaic Cells by Tuning Molecular Electrostatic Potential Fluctuation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202401066. [PMID: 38450828 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202401066] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
In the field of organic photovoltaics (OPVs), significant progress has been made in tailoring molecular structures to enhance the open-circuit voltage and the short-circuit current density. However, there remains a crucial gap in the development of coordinated material design strategies focused on improving the fill factor (FF). Here, we introduce a molecular design strategy that incorporates electrostatic potential fluctuation to design organic photovoltaic materials. By reducing the fluctuation amplitude of IT-4F, we synthesized a new acceptor named ITOC6-4F. When using PBQx-TF as a donor, the ITOC6-4F-based cell shows a markedly low recombination rate constant of 0.66×10-14 cm3 s-1 and demonstrates an outstanding FF of 0.816, both of which are new records for binary OPV cells. Also, we find that a small fluctuation amplitude could decrease the energetic disorder of OPV cells, reducing energy loss. Finally, the ITOC6-4F-based cell creates the highest efficiency of 16.0 % among medium-gap OPV cells. Our work holds a vital implication for guiding the design of high-performance OPV materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanlin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jingwen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Zhihao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Wenxuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yue Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lijiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jiawei Qiao
- School of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250100, China
| | - Ye Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- State Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Science and Technology, Trina Solar, Changzhou, 213000, China
| | - Xiao-Tao Hao
- School of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250100, China
| | - Jianhui Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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15
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Hu H, Liu S, Xu J, Ma R, Peng Z, Peña TAD, Cui Y, Liang W, Zhou X, Luo S, Yu H, Li M, Wu J, Chen S, Li G, Chen Y. Over 19 % Efficiency Organic Solar Cells Enabled by Manipulating the Intermolecular Interactions through Side Chain Fluorine Functionalization. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202400086. [PMID: 38329002 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202400086] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Fluorine side chain functionalization of non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) represents an effective strategy for enhancing the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). However, a knowledge gap persists regarding the relationship between structural changes induced by fluorine functionalization and the resultant impact on device performance. In this work, varying amounts of fluorine atoms were introduced into the outer side chains of Y-series NFAs to construct two acceptors named BTP-F0 and BTP-F5. Theoretical and experimental investigations reveal that side-chain fluorination significantly increase the overall average electrostatic potential (ESP) and charge balance factor, thereby effectively improving the ESP-induced intermolecular electrostatic interaction, and thus precisely tuning the molecular packing and bulk-heterojunction morphology. Therefore, the BTP-F5-based OSC exhibited enhanced crystallinity, domain purity, reduced domain spacing, and optimized phase distribution in the vertical direction. This facilitates exciton diffusion, suppresses charge recombination, and improves charge extraction. Consequently, the promising power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.3 % and 19.2 % were achieved in BTP-F5-based binary and ternary devices, respectively, surpassing the PCE of 16.1 % for BTP-F0-based OSCs. This work establishes a structure-performance relationship and demonstrates that fluorine functionalization of the outer side chains of Y-series NFAs is a compelling strategy for achieving ideal phase separation for highly efficient OSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huawei Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
- Key Lab of Fluorine and Silicon for Energy Materials and Chemistry of Ministry of Education/National Engineering Research Center for Carbohydrate Synthesis, Jiangxi Normal University, 99 Ziyang Avenue, Nanchang, 330022, P. R. China
| | - Shuai Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Jiaoyu Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. 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, P. R. China
| | - Zhengxing Peng
- Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Top Archie Dela Peña
- Function Hub, Advanced Materials Thrust, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Nansha, 511400, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Faculty of Science, Department of Applied Physics, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 000000, P. R. China
| | - Yongjie Cui
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Wenting Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoli Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Siwei Luo
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Han Yu
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Mingjie Li
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Faculty of Science, Department of Applied Physics, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 000000, P. R. China
| | - Jiaying Wu
- Function Hub, Advanced Materials Thrust, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Nansha, 511400, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shangshang Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - 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, P. R. China
| | - Yiwang Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
- Key Lab of Fluorine and Silicon for Energy Materials and Chemistry of Ministry of Education/National Engineering Research Center for Carbohydrate Synthesis, Jiangxi Normal University, 99 Ziyang Avenue, Nanchang, 330022, P. R. China
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16
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Yu Y, Wang J, Cui Y, Chen Z, Zhang T, Xiao Y, Wang W, Wang J, Hao XT, Hou J. Cost-Effective Cathode Interlayer Material for Scalable Organic Photovoltaic Cells. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:8697-8705. [PMID: 38478698 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c01139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells have demonstrated remarkable success on the laboratory scale. However, the lack of cathode interlayer materials for large-scale production still limits their practical application. Here, we rationally designed and synthesized a cathode interlayer, named NDI-Ph. Benefiting from their well-modulated work function and self-doping effect, NDI-Ph-based binary OPV cells achieve an excellent power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.1%. NDI-Ph can be easily synthesized on a 100 g scale with a low cost of 1.96 $ g-1 using low-cost raw materials and a simple postprocessing method. In addition, the insensitivity to the film thickness of NDI-Ph enables it to maintain a high PCE at various coating speeds and solution concentrations, demonstrating excellent adaptability for high-throughput OPV cell manufacturing. As a result, a module with 21.9 cm2 active area achieves a remarkable PCEactive of 15.8%, underscoring the prospects of NDI-Ph in the large-scale production of OPV cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jianqiu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Yong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Zhihao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Wenxuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jingwen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Tao Hao
- School of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Jianhui Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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17
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Chen Z, Zhang S, Zhang T, Ren J, Dai J, Li H, Qiao J, Hao X, Hou J. Iodinated Electron Acceptor with Significantly Extended Exciton Diffusion Length for Efficient Organic Photovoltaic Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202317892. [PMID: 38206554 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202317892] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Iodination has unlocked new potentials in organic photovoltaics (OPVs). A newly designed and synthesized iodinated non-fullerene acceptor, BO-4I, showcases exceptional excitation delocalization property with the exciton diffusion length increased to 80 nm. The enhanced electron delocalization property is attributed to the larger atomic radius and electron orbit of the iodine atom, which facilitates the formation of intra-moiety excitations in the acceptor phase. This effectively circumvents the charge transfer state-related recombination mechanisms, leading to a substantial reduction in non-radiative energy loss (ΔEnr ). As a result, OPV cell based on PBDB-TF : BO-4I achieves an impressive efficiency of 18.9 % with a notable ΔEnr of 0.189 eV, markedly surpassing their fluorinated counterparts. This contribution highlights the pivotal role of iodination in reducing energy loss, thereby affirming its potential as a key strategy in the development of advanced next-generation OPV cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoqing Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Biology Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Junzhen Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangbo Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Huixue Li
- School of Chemistry and Biology Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Jiawei Qiao
- School of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, 250100, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaotao Hao
- School of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, 250100, Shandong, China
| | - Jianhui Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
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18
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Fan B, Gao H, Jen AKY. Biaxially Conjugated Materials for Organic Solar Cells. ACS NANO 2024; 18:136-154. [PMID: 38146694 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c11193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Organic solar cells (OSCs) represent one of the most important emerging photovoltaic technologies that can implement solar energy conversion efficiently. The chemical structure of organic semiconductors deployed in the active layer of OSCs plays a critical role in the photovoltaic performance and chemical/physical stability of relevant devices. With the structure innovation of organic semiconductors, especially nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs), the performance of OSCs have been promoted rapidly in recent years, with state-of-the-art power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) exceeding 19.5%. Compared with other photovoltaics like perovskite, the shortcoming of OSCs mainly lies in the high nonradiative recombination loss. However, the photocurrent density is superior in OSCs owing to the easy modulation of the NFA band gap toward the near-infrared region. In these regards, the effort to further boost the PCE of OSCs to achieve a milestone >21% should be devoted to reducing the nonradiative loss while further broadening the absorption band. Developing organic semiconductors with biaxially extended conjugated structures has provided a potential solution to achieve these goals. Herein, we summarize the design rules and performance progress of biaxially extended conjugated materials for OSCs. The descriptions are divided into two major categories, i.e., polymers and NFAs. For p-type polymers, we focus on the biaxial conjugation on some representative building blocks, e.g., polythiophene, triphenylamine, and quinoxaline. Whereas for n-type polymers, some structures with large conjugated planes in the normal direction are presented. We also elaborate on the biaxial conjugation strategies in NFAs with modification site at either the π-core or side-group. The general structure-property relationships are further retrieved within these materials, with focus on the short-wavelength absorption and nonradiative energy loss. Finally, we provide an outlook for the further structure modification strategies of biaxially conjugated materials toward highly efficient, stable, and industry-compatible OSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baobing Fan
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute of Clean Energy, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Huanhuan Gao
- Institute of Clean Energy, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
- College of New Energy, Xi'an Shiyou University, Shaanxi, Xi'an 710065, China
- Department of Material Science & Engineering, 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
- Institute of Clean Energy, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Department of Material Science & Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Department of Materials Science & 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
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19
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Li D, Zhang H, Cui X, Chen YN, Wei N, Ran G, Lu H, Chen S, Zhang W, Li C, Liu Y, Liu Y, Bo Z. Halogenated Nonfused Ring Electron Acceptor for Organic Solar Cells with a Record Efficiency of over 17. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2310362. [PMID: 37994270 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Three nonfused ring electron acceptors (NFREAs), namely, 3TT-C2-F, 3TT-C2-Cl, and 3TT-C2, are purposefully designed and synthesized with the concept of halogenation. The incorporation of F or/and Cl atoms into the molecular structure (3TT-C2-F and 3TT-C2-Cl) enhances the π-π stacking, improves electron mobility, and regulates the nanofiber morphology of blend films, thus facilitating the exciton dissociation and charge transport. In particular, blend films based on D18:3TT-C2-F demonstrate a high charge mobility, an extended exciton diffusion distance, and a well-formed nanofiber network. These factors contribute to devices with a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 17.19%, surpassing that of 3TT-C2-Cl (16.17%) and 3TT-C2 (15.42%). To the best of knowledge, this represents the highest efficiency achieved in NFREA-based devices up to now. These results highlight the potential of halogenation in NFREAs as a promising approach to enhance the performance of organic solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Energy Conversion and Storage Materials, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Huarui Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Energy Conversion and Storage Materials, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Xinyue Cui
- College of Textiles and Clothing, State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Ya-Nan Chen
- College of Textiles and Clothing, State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Nan Wei
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Energy Conversion and Storage Materials, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Guangliu Ran
- Department of Physics and Applied Optics Beijing Area Major Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Hao Lu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Shenhua Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Energy Conversion and Storage Materials, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Wenkai Zhang
- Department of Physics and Applied Optics Beijing Area Major Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Cuihong Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Energy Conversion and Storage Materials, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yahui Liu
- College of Textiles and Clothing, State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yuqiang Liu
- College of Textiles and Clothing, State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Zhishan Bo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Energy Conversion and Storage Materials, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
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20
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Liang H, Chen H, Zou Y, Zhang Y, Guo Y, Cao X, Bi X, Yao Z, Wan X, Chen Y. Central unit hetero-di-halogenation of acceptors enables organic solar cells with 19% efficiency. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:13367-13370. [PMID: 37874298 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc04570f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Although peripheral hetero-di-halogenation of non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) would allow more precise optimization of molecular properties by providing the complementary advantages of two different halogens, thus enabling further improvements of organic solar cells (OSCs), hetero-di-halogenated NFAs are seldom prepared due to the challenging construction of building blocks with two adjacent hetero-halogens. Herein, three CH-series acceptors with hetero-di-halogenated central units, named CH-FC, CH-FB and CH-CB, are constructed successfully. PM6:D18:CH-FB-based OSCs afforded an attractive PCE of 19.0% due to tighter intermolecular packing at both the single-crystal and blended-film levels, more efficient charge transfer/dissociation, and superior film morphology compared to those of PM6:D18:CH-FC (PCE 18.41%) and PM6:D18:CH-CB (PCE 18.21%). Our work highlights the effectiveness of such a CH-series molecular platform in conducting hetero-di-halogenation and achieving high-performance OSCs, and will stimulate further exploration of hetero-substitution-based acceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huazhe Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Hongbin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Yalu Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Yunxin Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute for Advanced Materials, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Yaxiao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, School of Chemistry, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Xiangjian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Xingqi Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Zhaoyang Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Xiangjian Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Yongsheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, The Centre of Nanoscale Science and Technology and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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21
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Yao Z, Cao X, Bi X, He T, Li Y, Jia X, Liang H, Guo Y, Long G, Kan B, Li C, Wan X, Chen Y. Complete Peripheral Fluorination of the Small-Molecule Acceptor in Organic Solar Cells Yields Efficiency over 19 . Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202312630. [PMID: 37704576 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202312630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Due to the intrinsically flexible molecular skeletons and loose aggregations, organic semiconductors, like small molecular acceptors (SMAs) in organic solar cells (OSCs), greatly suffer from larger structural/packing disorders and weaker intermolecular interactions comparing to their inorganic counterparts, further leading to hindered exciton diffusion/dissociation and charge carrier migration in resulting OSCs. To overcome this challenge, complete peripheral fluorination was performed on basis of a two-dimensional (2D) conjugation extended molecular platform of CH-series SMAs, rendering an acceptor of CH8F with eight fluorine atoms surrounding the molecular backbone. Benefitting from the broad 2D backbone, more importantly, strengthened fluorine-induced secondary interactions, CH8F and its D18 blends afford much enhanced and more ordered molecular packings accompanying with enlarged dielectric constants, reduced exciton binding energies and more obvious fibrillary networks comparing to CH6F controls. Consequently, D18:CH8F-based OSCs reached an excellent efficiency of 18.80 %, much better than that of 17.91 % for CH6F-based ones. More excitingly, by employing D18-Cl that possesses a highly similar structure to D18 as a third component, the highest efficiency of 19.28 % for CH-series SMAs-based OSCs has been achieved so far. Our work demonstrates the dramatical structural multiformity of CH-series SMAs, meanwhile, their high potential for constructing record-breaking OSCs through peripheral fine-tuning.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Xiangjian Cao
- 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
| | - 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, Tianjin, 300071, 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, 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
| | - Xinyuan Jia
- 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
| | - Yaxiao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, School of Chemistry, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Guankui Long
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute for Advanced Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Bin Kan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute for Advanced Materials, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center (RECAST), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, 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
| | - 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
| | - 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
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