Solution-Processable NiO_x:PMMA Hole Transport Layer for Efficient and Stable Inverted Organic Solar Cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Energy Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Nickel oxide (NiOx) is a promising hole transport layer (HTL) for organic solar cells (OSCs).
• Solution-based fabrication of NiOx HTLs for inverted OSCs faces challenges due to interfacial wettability.
• Developing efficient and stable inverted OSCs requires optimized HTL materials and processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the solution-processing challenges of NiOx HTLs in inverted OSCs.
• To improve the electrical and surface properties of NiOx nanoparticle dispersions.
• To enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of inverted OSCs.

Main Methods:

• Incorporating poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) into NiOx nanoparticle dispersions using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF).
• Modifying the solution-processable NiOx HTL for inverted OSCs.
• Fabricating inverted organic solar cells using PMMA-doped NiOx NP HTL with PM6:Y6 active layer.

Main Results:

• Achieved an enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.11% for inverted PM6:Y6 OSCs.
• Demonstrated improved performance stability of the OSCs under ambient conditions.
• Successfully tuned the solution-processable HTL through PMMA doping.

Conclusions:

• PMMA doping of NiOx NPs offers a viable strategy for efficient and stable inverted OSCs.
• Overcoming interfacial wettability issues is crucial for solution-processed HTLs in inverted OSCs.
• This approach provides a pathway for scalable fabrication of high-performance organic solar cells.