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Side-Chain-Engineered Insulating Polymer Distribution Enables High-performance Intrinsically Stretchable Organic

Shuyang Sang1, Haozhe He2, Kangkang Zhou3

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Summary

This study introduces a molecular design for intrinsically stretchable organic photovoltaics (is-OPVs) using insulating polymer additives. This breakthrough enhances both efficiency and mechanical properties, paving the way for advanced wearable electronics.

Keywords:
distribution modulationefficiency‐stretchability trade‐offinsulating polymer additivesintrinsically stretchable organic photovoltaicsside‐chain engineering

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Organic Electronics
  • Polymer Science

Background:

  • Intrinsically stretchable organic photovoltaics (is-OPVs) exhibit a trade-off between power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stretchability, hindering their use in wearable devices.
  • Developing is-OPVs that maintain high efficiency under mechanical strain is crucial for next-generation wearable energy technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a molecular design strategy using side-chain-engineered insulating polymers as multifunctional additives to simultaneously enhance electronic and mechanical properties in is-OPVs.
  • To establish fundamental design principles for insulating polymer additives in is-OPVs for optimizing performance and durability.

Main Methods:

  • Employing poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(benzyl methacrylate) (PBMA) as insulating polymer additives.
  • Synergistically controlling the compatibility, chain diffusivity, and docking position of PMMA with PM6/Y6 donor components.
  • Analyzing the distribution of PMMA within the PM6 donor to create dual stress-dissipation networks and efficient charge transport pathways.

Main Results:

  • Devices with 10 wt.% PMMA achieved a record 19.01% PCE, with 20 wt.% PMMA devices retaining 18.53% PCE.
  • Stretchable devices with 20 wt.% PMMA demonstrated a 10.8% fracture strain and maintained 87% PCE after 100 stretching cycles (10% strain).
  • The insulating polymer additives significantly improved mechanical robustness and PCE retention compared to control devices.

Conclusions:

  • The molecular design strategy using insulating polymer additives offers a universal materials platform for high-performance stretchable electronics.
  • Molecular control over the micro-/nanoscale distribution of additives can simultaneously optimize electronic and mechanical properties in is-OPVs.
  • This approach is particularly promising for wearable energy technologies requiring both high efficiency and durability.