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Morphology Regulation Is Achieved by Volatile Solid Additives in Halogen-Free Solvents to Fabricate Efficient Polymer
Yufa Hou1, Qiao Wang1,2, Yifan Yang1
1Institute of Hybrid Materials, National Center of International Research for Hybrid Materials Technology, National Base of International Science & Technology Cooperation, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, P. R. China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|February 27, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a green method for high-efficiency polymer solar cells (PSCs) using halogen-free solvents. Volatile solid additives create a fibrous morphology, enhancing performance and stability for commercialization.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy
- Organic Electronics
Background:
- Polymer solar cells (PSCs) are promising for renewable energy but often rely on toxic halogenated solvents for optimal performance.
- Controlling the active layer's micromorphology is crucial for high power conversion efficiency (PCE) in PSCs.
- Environmental and health concerns necessitate the development of sustainable fabrication methods for PSCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient and environmentally friendly method for fabricating high PCE PSCs using halogen-free solvents.
- To investigate the effect of volatile solid additives on the morphology and photovoltaic performance of PSCs.
- To demonstrate the potential for large-scale commercialization of PSC technology through sustainable practices.
Main Methods:
- Introducing volatile solid additives, 1-bromo-2,6-dichlorobenzene (DIB) and 1-bromo-2,3,5-trichlorobenzene (TIB), into toluene solvents.
- Regulating the aggregation behavior of PM6:L8-BO to form a distinct fibrous morphology with vertical phase separation.
- Analyzing the impact of additives on exciton dissociation, charge transport, and charge recombination.
Main Results:
- The addition of DIB and TIB resulted in distinct fibrous morphologies with acceptor enrichment at the top and donor enrichment at the bottom.
- This controlled micromorphology led to enhanced exciton dissociation, improved charge transport, and reduced charge recombination.
- Maximum PCEs of 18.56% (with DIB) and 17.67% (with TIB) were achieved, significantly outperforming devices without additives.
- The complete removal of solid additives ensured superior morphology and enhanced photovoltaic stability.
Conclusions:
- A straightforward and green method for fabricating high-efficiency PSCs using halogen-free solvents and volatile solid additives has been established.
- The developed method effectively controls active layer micromorphology, leading to significant improvements in PCE and device stability.
- This approach offers a viable pathway for the sustainable and large-scale commercialization of polymer solar cell technology.
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