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Hole-Transport-Layer-Free Organic Solar Cells with Enhanced Efficiency Upon Halogenated Solvent Treatment.
Weiwei Wu1, Pengru Huang2, Yuan Gao1
1The Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|December 20, 2024
Summary
This study introduces halogenated indium tin oxide (ITO) anodes to improve organic photovoltaics by addressing issues with PEDOT:PSS layers. Halogenated ITO enhances device performance, leading to higher power conversion efficiencies (PCEs).
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Organic Electronics
- Photovoltaics
Background:
- PEDOT:PSS hole-transporting layers in organic photovoltaics suffer from energy level mismatch, acidity, and hygroscopicity, limiting device performance.
- Indium tin oxide (ITO) is a common substrate, but its properties require modification for optimal photovoltaic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop modified indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates using halogenated solvent treatment to enhance organic photovoltaic (OPV) device efficiency.
- To investigate the impact of different halogen treatments on ITO work function and the performance of OPV devices.
Main Methods:
- ITO substrates were treated with halogenated solvents (1,2-difluorobenzene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,2-dibromobenzene, 1,2-diiodobenzene) and UV illumination to create halogenated ITO anodes.
- The work functions of the modified ITO anodes were measured.
- Organic photovoltaic devices (PM6:L8-BO:BTP-eC9) were fabricated using these anodes, and their power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Halogenated ITO anodes (ITO-F, ITO-Cl, ITO-Br, ITO-I) exhibited increased work functions compared to pristine ITO, aligning better with PEDOT:PSS energy levels.
- Devices fabricated with halogenated ITO anodes showed improved PCEs, with ITO-Cl reaching 19.48%, outperforming the standard ITO/PEDOT:PSS device (18.70%).
- Comprehensive analysis linked theoretical calculations, blend morphology, and physical dynamics to the observed differences in device efficiencies.
Conclusions:
- Halogenated solvent treatment is an effective strategy for modulating ITO substrate properties for high-performance organic photovoltaics.
- The modified ITO anodes offer a promising alternative to traditional PEDOT:PSS layers, enabling more efficient and stable OPV devices.
- This approach provides valuable insights into optimizing interfacial engineering for advanced organic electronic applications.
