Tailoring the Morphology's Microevolution for Binary All-Polymer Solar Cells Processed by Aromatic Hydrocarbon...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Organic Electronics
• Sustainable Energy

Background:

• All-polymer solar cells (APSCs) offer potential for flexible and low-cost renewable energy solutions.
• Processing solvents significantly influence the morphology and performance of organic electronic devices.
• Optimizing solvent selection is crucial for achieving high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) in APSCs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically investigate the effect of different solvents on the performance of eco-friendly processed binary APSCs.
• To identify the optimal solvent for maximizing PCE in APSCs through morphological control.
• To understand the structure-property relationships governing APSC performance.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of three common solvents: toluene, o-xylene, and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene.
• Fabrication and characterization of APSC devices using each solvent.
• Morphological analysis, including molecular packing, crystallinity, and phase segregation, was performed.

Main Results:

• The device processed with o-xylene achieved the highest PCE of 16.22%.
• O-xylene facilitated a favorable morphology, characterized by face-on orientation, suitable crystallinity, and optimal phase segregation.
• This morphology promoted efficient charge generation and balanced charge transport.

Conclusions:

• Systematic solvent selection is a viable strategy for enhancing APSC performance.
• O-xylene is identified as a promising solvent for high-efficiency APSC fabrication.
• Morphological control through solvent choice is key to optimizing charge dynamics and device efficiency.