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Kumar P, Eriksson M, Kharytonau DS, You S, Natile MM, Vomiero A. All-Inorganic Hydrothermally Processed Semitransparent Sb 2S 3 Solar Cells with CuSCN as the Hole Transport Layer. ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS 2024; 7:1421-1432. [PMID: 38425380 PMCID: PMC10900181 DOI: 10.1021/acsaem.3c02492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
An inorganic wide-bandgap hole transport layer (HTL), copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN), is employed in inorganic planar hydrothermally deposited Sb2S3 solar cells. With excellent hole transport properties and uniform compact morphology, the solution-processed CuSCN layer suppresses the leakage current and improves charge selectivity in an n-i-p-type solar cell structure. The device without the HTL (FTO/CdS/Sb2S3/Au) delivers a modest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.54%, which increases to 2.46% with the introduction of CuSCN (FTO/CdS/Sb2S3/CuSCN/Au). This PCE is a significant improvement compared with the previous reports of planar Sb2S3 solar cells employing CuSCN. CuSCN is therefore a promising alternative to expensive and inherently unstable organic HTLs. In addition, CuSCN makes an excellent optically transparent (with average transmittance >90% in the visible region) and shunt-blocking HTL layer in pinhole-prone ultrathin (<100 nm) semitransparent absorber layers grown by green and facile hydrothermal deposition. A semitransparent device is fabricated using an ultrathin Au layer (∼10 nm) with a PCE of 2.13% and an average visible transmittance of 13.7%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Kumar
- Division
of Materials Science, Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Martin Eriksson
- Division
of Materials Science, Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Dzmitry S. Kharytonau
- Electrochemistry
and Corrosion Laboratory, Jerzy Haber Institute
of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 30-239 Krakow, Poland
| | - Shujie You
- Division
of Materials Science, Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Marta Maria Natile
- National
Research Council (CNR), Institute of Condensed
Matter Chemistry and Technologies for Energy (ICMATE), via F. Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Vomiero
- Division
of Materials Science, Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden
- Department
of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca’
Foscari University of Venice, via Torino 155, 30172 Venezia Mestre, Italy
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2
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Cao L, Tong Y, Ke Y, Chen Y, Li Y, Wang H, Wang K. Dual Buried Interface Engineering for Improving Air-Processed Inverted FAPbI 3 Perovskite Solar Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024. [PMID: 38357887 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c17441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Fabricating perovskite solar cells (PSCs) in an ambient environment provides low-cost preparation routes for solar cells that are suitable for large-scale production. Compared with methylammonium (MA)- based perovskite materials, formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) possesses a more favorable bandgap for light harvesting and better thermostability. However, the phase transition from the α-phase to the δ-phase easily occurs, making it challenging for ambient-air processing. Herein, we develop a buried interface engineering strategy via two molecules including 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane (DPPB) as well as [4-(3,6-dimethyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)butyl] phosphonic acid (Me-4PACz) to optimize air-processed inverted FAPbI3 PSCs. This strategy regulates the crystallization process of the air-fabricated FAPbI3 perovskite film, leading to a purer α-phase with significantly enhanced crystallinity and enlarged grain sizes. Apart from improving the bulk perovskite film, the defects at the NiOx/perovskite interface are passivated, and the energy levels are better matched in the modified device, which facilitates efficient carrier extraction. Resultantly, the target device processed in the open air achieves a dramatically improved power conversion efficiency from 11.37% to 18.45%, in association with an enhanced device stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Cao
- School of Microelectronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, P. R. China
| | - Yu Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, Center for Nano Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, P. R. China
- Chongqing Innovation Center, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Chongqing 401135, P. R. China
| | - Yewen Ke
- School of Microelectronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, P. R. China
| | - Yali Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, Center for Nano Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, P. R. China
| | - Yufeng Li
- School of Microelectronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, P. R. China
| | - Hongqiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, Center for Nano Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, P. R. China
- Chongqing Innovation Center, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Chongqing 401135, P. R. China
| | - Kun Wang
- School of Microelectronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, P. R. China
- Chongqing Innovation Center, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Chongqing 401135, P. R. China
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3
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Elseman AM. AgSCN as a new hole transporting material for inverted perovskite solar cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7939. [PMID: 37193790 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35081-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel HTM based on silver thiocyanate (AgSCN) was designed to be useable in p-i-n perovskite solar cells (PSCs). With mass yield, the AgSCN was synthesized in the lab and elucidated by XRD, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, UPS, and TGA. The production of thin, highly conformal AgSCN films that allow for quick carrier extraction and the collection was made possible by a fast solvent removal approach. Photoluminescence experiments have shown that adding AgSCN has improved the ability to transfer charges between HTL and perovskite layer compared to PEDOT:PSS at the interface. Crystallographic discrepancies in the polycrystalline perovskite film are discovered upon further examination of the film's microstructure and morphology, pointing to the development of templated perovskite on the surface of AgSCN. In comparison to devices due to the well-known PEDOT:PSS, the open circuit voltage (VOC) is increased by AgSCN with its high work function by 0.1-1.14 V (1.04 V for PEDOT:PSS). With a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.66%, a high-performance PSCs are effectively generated using CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite compared to 15.11% for controlled PEDOT:PSS devices. The solution-processed inorganic HTL was demonstrated employing straightforward in order to build durable and effective flexible p-i-n PSCs modules or their use as a front cell in hybrid tandem solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Mourtada Elseman
- Electronic and Magnetic Materials Department, Central Metallurgical Research and Development Institute (CMRDI), Helwan, P.O. Box 87, Cairo, 11421, Egypt.
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4
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Chen XZ, Luo Q, Ma CQ. Inkjet-Printed Organic Solar Cells and Perovskite Solar Cells: Progress, Challenges, and Prospect. CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10118-023-2961-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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5
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Anrango-Camacho C, Pavón-Ipiales K, Frontana-Uribe BA, Palma-Cando A. Recent Advances in Hole-Transporting Layers for Organic Solar Cells. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12030443. [PMID: 35159788 PMCID: PMC8840354 DOI: 10.3390/nano12030443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Global energy demand is increasing; thus, emerging renewable energy sources, such as organic solar cells (OSCs), are fundamental to mitigate the negative effects of fuel consumption. Within OSC’s advancements, the development of efficient and stable interface materials is essential to achieve high performance, long-term stability, low costs, and broader applicability. Inorganic and nanocarbon-based materials show a suitable work function, tunable optical/electronic properties, stability to the presence of moisture, and facile solution processing, while organic conducting polymers and small molecules have some advantages such as fast and low-cost production, solution process, low energy payback time, light weight, and less adverse environmental impact, making them attractive as hole transporting layers (HTLs) for OSCs. This review looked at the recent progress in metal oxides, metal sulfides, nanocarbon materials, conducting polymers, and small organic molecules as HTLs in OSCs over the past five years. The endeavors in research and technology have optimized the preparation and deposition methods of HTLs. Strategies of doping, composite/hybrid formation, and modifications have also tuned the optical/electrical properties of these materials as HTLs to obtain efficient and stable OSCs. We highlighted the impact of structure, composition, and processing conditions of inorganic and organic materials as HTLs in conventional and inverted OSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinthya Anrango-Camacho
- Grupo de Investigación Aplicada en Materiales y Procesos (GIAMP), School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Yachay Tech University, Hda. San José s/n y Proyecto Yachay, Urcuqui 100119, Ecuador; (C.A.-C.); (K.P.-I.)
| | - Karla Pavón-Ipiales
- Grupo de Investigación Aplicada en Materiales y Procesos (GIAMP), School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Yachay Tech University, Hda. San José s/n y Proyecto Yachay, Urcuqui 100119, Ecuador; (C.A.-C.); (K.P.-I.)
| | - Bernardo A. Frontana-Uribe
- Centro Conjunto de Investigación en Química Sustentable UAEMex-UNAM, Carretera Toluca Atlacomulco, Km 14.5, Toluca 50200, Mexico;
- Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Alex Palma-Cando
- Grupo de Investigación Aplicada en Materiales y Procesos (GIAMP), School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Yachay Tech University, Hda. San José s/n y Proyecto Yachay, Urcuqui 100119, Ecuador; (C.A.-C.); (K.P.-I.)
- Correspondence:
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6
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Muchuweni E, Mombeshora ET, Martincigh BS, Nyamori VO. Recent Applications of Carbon Nanotubes in Organic Solar Cells. Front Chem 2022; 9:733552. [PMID: 35071180 PMCID: PMC8770437 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.733552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, carbon-based materials, particularly carbon nanotubes (CNTs), have gained intensive research attention in the fabrication of organic solar cells (OSCs) due to their outstanding physicochemical properties, low-cost, environmental friendliness and the natural abundance of carbon. In this regard, the low sheet resistance and high optical transmittance of CNTs enables their application as alternative anodes to the widely used indium tin oxide (ITO), which is toxic, expensive and scarce. Also, the synergy between the large specific surface area and high electrical conductivity of CNTs provides both large donor-acceptor interfaces and conductive interpenetrating networks for exciton dissociation and charge carrier transport. Furthermore, the facile tunability of the energy levels of CNTs provides proper energy level alignment between the active layer and electrodes for effective extraction and transportation of charge carriers. In addition, the hydrophobic nature and high thermal conductivity of CNTs enables them to form protective layers that improve the moisture and thermal stability of OSCs, thereby prolonging the devices' lifetime. Recently, the introduction of CNTs into OSCs produced a substantial increase in efficiency from ∼0.68 to above 14.00%. Thus, further optimization of the optoelectronic properties of CNTs can conceivably help OSCs to compete with silicon solar cells that have been commercialized. Therefore, this study presents the recent breakthroughs in efficiency and stability of OSCs, achieved mainly over 2018-2021 by incorporating CNTs into electrodes, active layers and charge transport layers. The challenges, advantages and recommendations for the fabrication of low-cost, highly efficient and sustainable next-generation OSCs are also discussed, to open up avenues for commercialization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Vincent O. Nyamori
- School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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7
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Thermal Analysis of Metal-Organic Precursors for Functional Cu:ΝiOx Hole Transporting Layer in Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells: Role of Solution Combustion Chemistry in Cu:ΝiOx Thin Films Processing. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11113074. [PMID: 34835837 PMCID: PMC8618520 DOI: 10.3390/nano11113074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Low temperature solution combustion synthesis emerges as a facile method for the synthesis of functional metal oxides thin films for electronic applications. We study the solution combustion synthesis process of Cu:NiOx using different molar ratios (w/o, 0.1 and 1.5) of fuel acetylacetone (Acac) to oxidizer (Cu, Ni Nitrates) as a function of thermal annealing temperatures 150, 200, and 300 °C. The solution combustion synthesis process, in both thin films and bulk Cu:NiOx, is investigated. Thermal analysis studies using TGA and DTA reveal that the Cu:NiOx thin films show a more gradual mass loss while the bulk Cu:NiOx exhibits a distinct combustion process. The thin films can crystallize to Cu:NiOx at an annealing temperature of 300 °C, irrespective of the Acac/Oxidizer ratio, whereas lower annealing temperatures (150 and 200 °C) produce amorphous materials. A detail characterization study of solution combustion synthesized Cu:NiOx, including XPS, UV-Vis, AFM, and Contact angle measurements, is presented. Finally, 50 nm Cu:NiOx thin films are introduced as HTLs within the inverted perovskite solar cell device architecture. The Cu:NiOx HTL annealed at 150 and 200 °C provided PVSCs with limited functionality, whereas efficient triple-cation Cs0.04(MA0.17FA0.83)0.96 Pb(I0.83Br0.17)3-based PVSCs achieved for Cu:NiOx HTLs for annealing temperature of 300 °C.
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8
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Xiao Z, Jia Y, Lin M, Xia Y, Wang C. Multistep Functional Embellishment for p-ZnTe as a Cathode to Boost the Faraday Efficiency of Nitrogen Conversion. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:8129-8137. [PMID: 33560118 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c18001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
An electrochemical N2 reduction reaction (N2RR) is a selective sustainable approach to obtain NH3 at mild conditions and has been proposed as an alternative to the full-blown Haber-Bosch process. However, achieving high yields of NH3 and high faraday efficiency (FE) at a low overpotential remains a big challenge but has high expectations for the electrocatalytic N2RR. Herein, a novel p-ZnTe cathode multistep embellished with NiOx and ZnO thin films was prepared for boosting faraday efficiency to 9.89% for N2RR at -0.2 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), about 12 times of p-ZnTe@ZnO. All components within the NiOx@p-ZnTe/ZnO electrode work cooperatively. A N source was determined through a 15N isotopic-labeling experiment. Using steady-state photoluminescence, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and control experiments, a possible model of charge transformation is built. In particular, a NiOx layer has an important impact on increasing interfacial contact between a bare fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass and p-ZnTe and further reinforcing interfacial electron transfer. This work provides a practical application and a feasible strategy to develop highly efficient catalysts for N2 reduction and also affords a guideline for the fabrication of a flat electrode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Xiao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yongjian Jia
- National Engineering Research Center for Technology and Equipment of Environmental Deposition, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Mengque Lin
- National Engineering Research Center for Technology and Equipment of Environmental Deposition, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yangjun Xia
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Chenglong Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Technology and Equipment of Environmental Deposition, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China
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9
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C A, Luszczynska B, Rekab W, Szymanski MZ, Ulanski J. Inkjet Printing of an Electron Injection Layer: New Role of Cesium Carbonate Interlayer in Polymer OLEDs. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 13:polym13010080. [PMID: 33379190 PMCID: PMC7795449 DOI: 10.3390/polym13010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Among solution-processable techniques, inkjet printing is a potential method for manufacturing low-cost and high-resolution polymer organic light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) for displays/solid-state lighting applications. Herein, we demonstrate use of the inkjet printed cesium carbonate (Cs2CO3) film as an electron injection interlayer. We have elaborated the Cs2CO3 ink using an alcohol-based solvent for the industrial-grade printhead. The printed Cs2CO3 layer morphology was investigated by means of an optical microscope and an atomic force microscope. The PLEDs based on emissive polymer (Super Yellow) with printed Cs2CO3 interlayer show a remarkable current efficiency and luminance compared to the PLEDs made without the Cs2CO3 layer. Such results suggest that the Cs2CO3 is a promising material for the formulation of the electron injecting inkjet inks. The possibility of inkjet printing of an efficient electron injecting layer enables in situ patterning of PLEDs' emission area. Such a simple and flexible technique can be applied for a wide range of applications such as signage, pictograms, advertising, smart packaging, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beata Luszczynska
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (J.U.); Tel.: +48-42-631-32-16 (B.L. & J.U.)
| | | | | | - Jacek Ulanski
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (J.U.); Tel.: +48-42-631-32-16 (B.L. & J.U.)
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10
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Tippo P, Thongsuwan W, Wiranwetchayan O, Kumpika T, Kantarak E, Singjai P. Influence of Co concentration on properties of NiO film by sparking under uniform magnetic field. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15690. [PMID: 32973228 PMCID: PMC7515867 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72883-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Nickel oxide (NiO) films cover numerous electronic applications, including transparent conducting oxides and hole transport layer, because of its high transparency and wide band gap. A sparking discharge is a new and unique method for the deposition of NiO films due to non-complex operation and non-requirement of a vacuum atmosphere. Unfortunately, NiO films by the sparking method display a porous surface with inferior crystallinity. By assisting a uniform magnetic field in the sparking method, the porous and the crystallinity of NiO are improved. However, electrical properties of the NiO films deposited by this strategy are poor. In order to improve the electrical properties of NiO, a substitutional of Ni ions by Co ions is considered. In this study, we report an influence of Co concentration on properties of NiO films by sparking under a uniform magnetic field. Our results indicate that an increase in Co concentration to 0.1 M improves the crystallinity and increases a carrier concentration of NiO, resulting in a reduction of the resistivity. This consequence is in agreement with the increase in a number of higher-valence Ni3+ because of the Co2+ substituted Ni2+. Based on our research, Co-NiO film is promising materials for a transparent conductor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Posak Tippo
- Department of Physics and Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Graduate School, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Wiradej Thongsuwan
- Department of Physics and Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Orawan Wiranwetchayan
- Department of Physics and Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Tewasin Kumpika
- Department of Physics and Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Materials Science and Technology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Ekkapong Kantarak
- Department of Physics and Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Pisith Singjai
- Department of Physics and Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
- Center of Excellence in Materials Science and Technology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
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11
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Fine tuning of inkjet printability parameters for NiO nanofilms fabrication. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2019.123959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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12
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Ji CH, Lee SJ, Oh SY. P3HT-based visible-light organic photodetectors using PEI/PAA multilayers as a p-type buffer layer. RSC Adv 2019; 9:37180-37187. [PMID: 35542281 PMCID: PMC9075515 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra08568h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A low leakage current is critical for achieving organic photodetectors (OPDs) with high detectivity. The insertion of buffer layers is an effective approach for reducing the reverse-biased leakage current. In this study, polyelectrolyte multilayers comprising polyethyleneimine (PEI) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) were introduced by a spin-assisted layer-by-layer technique into an OPD as a p-type buffer layer. Although PEI/PAA multilayers are insulators, when used as a buffer layer in our device, they suppressed the leakage current and also provided a high photocurrent due to the light-assisted tunneling effect. The prepared device configuration was ITO/(PEI/PAA)2/P3HT:PC60BM/Yb/Al. The performances of the OPDs were investigated by measuring the current–voltage characteristics, external quantum efficiency, and transient photocurrent. In addition, the operating mechanism of the OPDs was confirmed by impedance analysis. The device comprising (PEI/PAA)2 showed a specific detectivity of 3.11 × 1012 Jones and a bandwidth of 103.2 kHz at −1 V and 525 nm. This performance is a numerical value that can be used in devices such as a line scan camera. In addition, because this device is fabricated by a low-temperature solution process, flexible and large-area substrates can be used. Although PEI/PAA multilayers are insulators, when used as a p-type buffer layer in organic photodetector, they suppressed the leakage current and also provided a high photocurrent due to the light-assisted tunneling effect.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Hyuk Ji
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University Seoul 04107 Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Ju Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University Seoul 04107 Republic of Korea
| | - Se Young Oh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University Seoul 04107 Republic of Korea
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13
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Huang S, Yu A, Wang Y, Tang Y, Shen S, Kang B, Silva SRP, Lu G. Nickel oxide and polytetrafluoroethylene stacked structure as an interfacial layer for efficient polymer solar cells. Electrochim Acta 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2019.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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14
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Kim JK. PEG-assisted Sol-gel Synthesis of Compact Nickel Oxide Hole-Selective Layer with Modified Interfacial Properties for Organic Solar Cells. Polymers (Basel) 2019; 11:E120. [PMID: 30960104 PMCID: PMC6401794 DOI: 10.3390/polym11010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As a p-type metal oxide, nickel oxide (NiO) has been extensively utilized for providing a favorable hole transport pathway in organic solar cells (OSCs). To obtain higher crystallinity, a post-annealing process at high temperature is required for the NiO layer. Therefore, fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass has been widely used for the substrate of NiO. However, the rough surface of the FTO substrate deteriorates the interfacial properties of the NiO layer, which hinders efficient charge extraction in OSCs. In this study, a facile polyethylene glycol (PEG)-assisted sol-gel synthesis of the compact NiO layer as the hole-selective layer is demonstrated. The compact NiO layer has a significantly uniform and smooth surface morphology, facilitating better interfacial properties for favorable charge transport. The modified interfacial properties outstandingly promote the charge migration and recombination blocking in OSCs. In addition, a hybrid structure with compact NiO and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is designed to form a cascade charge extraction and passivate possible pinholes on the NiO layer. Consequently, the compact NiO layer enhances all the parameters determining the power conversion efficiency, including the open-circuit potential (Voc), short-circuit current density (Jsc), and fill factor (FF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Kyu Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Seobu-ro 2066, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Korea.
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15
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Huang S, Wang Y, Shen S, Tang Y, Yu A, Kang B, Silva SRP, Lu G. Enhancing the performance of polymer solar cells using solution-processed copper doped nickel oxide nanoparticles as hole transport layer. J Colloid Interface Sci 2018; 535:308-317. [PMID: 30316117 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2018.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Polymer solar cells (PSCs) are considered promising energy power suppliers due to their light weight, printability, low-energy fabrication and roll-to-roll processability. Recently, the solution-processed NiOx nanoparticles have been a desirable interfacial material for hole transport in the PSCs, instead of organic semiconductors. However, pure NiOx films restrain the high performance of PSCs due to their poor electrical characteristics caused by the localized orbital distribution at the top of valence band. Therefore, metal ion doping has been explored as a method to endow NiOx nanoparticles with the appropriate electrical characteristics. Herein, we applied solution-processed Cu-doped NiOx (Cu:NiOx) nanoparticles as an efficient hole transport layer (HTL) in PSCs. The Cu-doped NiOx enhanced the electrical conductivity of the material and improved the interface contact with the active layer, which remarkably facilitated the hole extraction and effectively suppressed the carrier recombination at the interface. Thus, a higher power conversion efficiency of 7.05%, corresponding to an approximately 30% efficiency improvement compared with that of a pristine NiOx interlayer (5.44%) in poly[N- 9''-hepta-decanyl-2,7-carbazolealt-5,5-(4',7'-di-2-thienyl-2',1',3'-ben-zothiadiazole)]:[6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PCDTBT:PC71BM)-based PSCs, was achieved by the proposed device. The developed solution-processed Cu:NiOx nanoparticles may be an excellent alternative for interfacial materials in PSCs or other optoelectronic devices requiring HTLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Huang
- State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Yunhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Si Shen
- State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Yuting Tang
- State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Ancan Yu
- State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Bonan Kang
- State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, China.
| | - S Ravi P Silva
- Nanoelectronics Centre, Advanced Technology Institute, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Geyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, China
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16
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Hietzschold S, Hillebrandt S, Ullrich F, Bombsch J, Rohnacher V, Ma S, Liu W, Köhn A, Jaegermann W, Pucci A, Kowalsky W, Mankel E, Beck S, Lovrincic R. Functionalized Nickel Oxide Hole Contact Layers: Work Function versus Conductivity. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:39821-39829. [PMID: 29052974 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b12784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Nickel oxide (NiO) is a widely used material for efficient hole extraction in optoelectronic devices. However, its surface characteristics strongly depend on the processing history and exposure to adsorbates. To achieve controllability of the electronic and chemical properties of solution-processed nickel oxide (sNiO), we functionalize its surface with a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of 4-cyanophenylphosphonic acid. A detailed analysis of infrared and photoelectron spectroscopy shows the chemisorption of the molecules with a nominal layer thickness of around one monolayer and gives an insight into the chemical composition of the SAM. Density functional theory calculations reveal the possible binding configurations. By the application of the SAM, we increase the sNiO work function by up to 0.8 eV. When incorporated in organic solar cells, the increase in work function and improved energy level alignment to the donor does not lead to a higher fill factor of these cells. Instead, we observe the formation of a transport barrier, which can be reduced by increasing the conductivity of the sNiO through doping with copper oxide. We conclude that the widespread assumption of maximizing the fill factor by only matching the work function of the oxide charge extraction layer with the energy levels in the active material is a too narrow approach. Successful implementation of interface modifiers is only possible with a sufficiently high charge carrier concentration in the oxide interlayer to support efficient charge transfer across the interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Hietzschold
- InnovationLab , Speyerer Str. 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for High-Frequency Technology, TU Braunschweig , Schleinitzstr. 22, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
- Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabina Hillebrandt
- InnovationLab , Speyerer Str. 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
- Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Ullrich
- InnovationLab , Speyerer Str. 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
- Surface Science Division, TU Darmstadt , Jovanka-Bontschits-Str. 2, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Jakob Bombsch
- InnovationLab , Speyerer Str. 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
- Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Valentina Rohnacher
- InnovationLab , Speyerer Str. 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
- Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shuangying Ma
- InnovationLab , Speyerer Str. 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Theoretical Chemistry, University of Stuttgart , Pfaffenwaldring 55, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Wenlan Liu
- InnovationLab , Speyerer Str. 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Theoretical Chemistry, University of Stuttgart , Pfaffenwaldring 55, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Andreas Köhn
- InnovationLab , Speyerer Str. 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Theoretical Chemistry, University of Stuttgart , Pfaffenwaldring 55, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Wolfram Jaegermann
- InnovationLab , Speyerer Str. 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
- Surface Science Division, TU Darmstadt , Jovanka-Bontschits-Str. 2, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Annemarie Pucci
- InnovationLab , Speyerer Str. 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
- Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Centre for Advanced Materials, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kowalsky
- InnovationLab , Speyerer Str. 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for High-Frequency Technology, TU Braunschweig , Schleinitzstr. 22, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Eric Mankel
- InnovationLab , Speyerer Str. 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
- Surface Science Division, TU Darmstadt , Jovanka-Bontschits-Str. 2, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Sebastian Beck
- InnovationLab , Speyerer Str. 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
- Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robert Lovrincic
- InnovationLab , Speyerer Str. 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for High-Frequency Technology, TU Braunschweig , Schleinitzstr. 22, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
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