Interfacial Materials for Organic Solar Cells: Recent Advances and Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Organic solar cells (OSCs) offer a promising avenue for low-cost solar energy conversion.
• Interfacial engineering is a key strategy to improve OSC efficiency and stability.
• Recent advancements have pushed power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) beyond 10% for both single-junction and tandem OSCs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the latest developments in interfacial layers for single-junction and tandem OSCs.
• To systematically present various electron and hole transporting materials used as interface layers.
• To discuss interconnecting layers for tandem OSCs and their role in bridging subcells.

Main Methods:

• Systematic presentation of diverse interfacial materials, including metal oxides, polymers, carbon-based materials, and hybrids.
• Comprehensive discussion of interconnecting layers for conventional and inverted tandem OSCs.
• Analysis of structure-property relationships to derive design rules for interfacial materials.

Main Results:

• Identification of various electron and hole transporting materials for high-performance OSCs.
• Detailed explanation of interconnecting layers' functions in tandem OSCs.
• Highlighting key design principles for efficient and stable interfacial materials.

Conclusions:

• Interfacial engineering is crucial for advancing OSC technology.
• Understanding material properties and structure is vital for designing next-generation OSCs.
• The review provides insights into current challenges and future opportunities in OSC research.