Fine-Tuning Conformation of PEDOT Chains Enables Simultaneously Enhanced Conductivity, Work Function, Transmittance,...

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is widely utilized as the hole transport layer (HTL) inorganic photovoltaics (OPVs) because of its low-temperature solution processing peculiarity, high optical transmittance, and excellent mechanical flexibility. However, the core-shell structure of PSS coated PEDOT results in relatively low conductivity, work function, transmittance and waterproofness of PEDOT:PSS interlayer, limiting the photovoltaic performance and stability of OPVs. Here, the conformation of PEDOT chains are regulated from helical benzoyl to linear quinone structure via incorporation of 2D Cd_0.85PS₃Li_0.15H_0.15dopant into the conventional PEDOT:PSS interlayer, promoting an interpenetrating network structure in PEDOT:PSS interlayer and forming an efficient hole transport channel from active layer to ITO electrode. Such features significantly improve the electrical conductivity, work function, and transmittance of PEDOT:PSS interlayer. In consequence, the maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of D18:L8-BO, PBDB-T:ITIC, as well as PTzBI-dF:L8-BO based OPVs ameliorated from 18.37%, 8.94%, and 15.80% to 19.26%, 10.00%, and 16.83%, respectively. The application of Cd_0.85PS₃Li_0.15H_0.15 doping PEDOT:PSS strategy demonstrates great potential for the development of strongly conductive, large-work-function, highly transparent, and excellent-waterproof PEDOT:PSS interlayer toward highly efficient and stable OPVs.