Alloy-like ternary polymer solar cells with over 17.2% efficiency

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Organic Electronics
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Ternary strategies enhance polymer solar cell (PSC) performance.
• Optimizing acceptor materials is crucial for high efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a ternary strategy on PSC performance.
• To understand the relationship between material compatibility and device efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication and characterization of ternary PSCs with varying MF1 content.
• Analysis of material compatibility using Raman mapping, contact angle, cyclic voltammetry, and morphology studies.
• Evaluation of device performance metrics including power conversion efficiency (PCE), short-circuit current (JSC), open-circuit voltage (VOC), and fill factor (FF).

Main Results:

• Optimized ternary PSCs with 10 wt% MF1 achieved a PCE of 17.22%.
• Ternary devices showed significant improvements in JSC, VOC, and FF compared to binary devices.
• Material compatibility studies confirmed the formation of an alloy-like state between MF1 and Y6.
• Electron mobility and FF exhibited a wave-like dependence on MF1 content due to differing LUMO levels.

Conclusions:

• The ternary strategy is effective for enhancing PSC performance.
• Material compatibility and energy level alignment are critical for efficient ternary PSCs.
• This study provides valuable insights for designing high-performance ternary polymer solar cells.