Phenoxy Group-Containing Asymmetric Non-Fullerene Acceptors Achieved Higher VOC over 1.0 V through Alkoxy Side-Chain Engineering for Organic Solar Cells

Alkoxy side chain engineering on the β-position of the thienothiophene units of Y6 derivatives plays a vital role in improving photovoltaic performances with simultaneously increasing open-circuit voltage (Voc) and fill factor (FF). In this work, we prepared a series of asymmetric non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) by introducing alkoxy side chains and phenoxy groups on the state-of-the-art Y6-derivative BTP-BO-4F. For the comparison, 2O-BO-4F with a symmetric alkoxy side chain on the outer thiophene units and BTP-PBO-4F with an asymmetric N-attached phenoxy alkyl chain on the pyrrole ring are synthesized from BTP-BO-4F. Thereafter, we construct four asymmetric NFAs by introducing different lengths of linear/branched alkoxy chains on the β-position of the thienothiophene units of BTP-PBO-4F. The resulting NFAs, named L10-PBO, L12-PBO, B12-PBO, and B16-PBO (L = linear and B = branched alkoxy side chains), are collectively called OR-PBO-series. Unexpectedly, all OR-PBO NFAs exhibit strong edge-on molecular packing and weaker π-π interactions in the film state, which diminish the charge transfer in organic solar cell (OSC) devices. As a consequence, the optimal devices of OR-PBO-based binary blends show poor photovoltaic performances [power conversion efficiency (PCE) = 6.52-9.62%] in comparison with 2O-BO-4F (PCE = 12.42%) and BTP-PBO-4F (PCE = 15.30%) reference blends. Nevertheless, the OR-PBO-based binary devices show a higher Voc and smaller Vloss. Especially, B12-PBO- and B16-PBO-based devices achieve Voc over 1.00 V, which is the highest value of Y-series OSC devices to the best of our knowledge. Therefore, by utilizing higher Voc of OR-PBO binary blends, B12-PBO and B16-PBO are incorporated into the PM6:BTP-PBO-4F-based binary blend and fabricated ternary devices. As a result, the PM6:BTP-PBO-4F:B12-PBO ternary device delivers the best PCE of 15.60% with an increasing Voc and FF concurrently.

Eco-Friendly Solvent-Processed Dithienosilicon-Bridged Carbazole-Based Small-Molecule Acceptors Achieved over 25.7% PCE in Ternary Devices under Indoor Conditions

Terminal acceptor atoms and side-chain functionalization play a vital role in the construction of efficient nonfullerene small-molecule acceptors (NF-SMAs) for AM1.5G/indoor organic photovoltaic (OPV) applications. In this work, we report three dithienosilicon-bridged carbazole-based (DTSiC) ladder-type (A-DD'D-A) NF-SMAs for AM1.5G/indoor OPVs. First, we synthesize DTSiC-4F and DTSiC-2M, which are composed of a fused DTSiC-based central core with difluorinated 1,1-dicyanomethylene-3-indanone (2F-IC) and methylated IC (M-IC) end groups, respectively. Then, alkoxy chains are introduced in the fused carbazole backbone of DTSiC-4F to form DTSiCODe-4F. From solution to film absorption, DTSiC-4F exhibits a bathochromic shift with strong π-π interactions, which improves the short-circuit current density (J_sc) and the fill factor (FF). On the other hand, DTSiC-2M and DTSiCODe-4F display up-shifting lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels, which enhances the open-circuit voltage (V_oc). As a result, under both AM1.5G/indoor conditions, the devices based on PM7:DTSiC-4F, PM7:DTSiC-2M, and PM7:DTSiCOCe-4F show power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 13.13/21.80%, 8.62/20.02, and 9.41/20.56%, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of a third component to the active layer of binary devices is also a simple and efficient strategy to achieve higher photovoltaic efficiencies. Therefore, the conjugated polymer donor PTO2 is introduced into the PM7:DTSiC-4F active layer because of the hypsochromically shifted complementary absorption, deep highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level, good miscibility with PM7 and DTSiC-4F, and optimal film morphology. The resulting ternary OSC device based on PTO2:PM7:DTSiC-4F can improve exciton generation, phase separation, charge transport, and charge extraction. As a consequence, the PTO2:PM7:DTSiC-4F-based ternary device achieves an outstanding PCE of 13.33/25.70% under AM1.5G/indoor conditions. As far as we know, the obtained PCE results under indoor conditions are one of the best binary/ternary-based systems processed from eco-friendly solvents.

Broadband Photon Harvesting in Organic Photovoltaic Devices Induced by Large-Area Nanogrooved Templates

Thin-film organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices represent an attractive alternative to conventional silicon solar cells due to their lightweight, flexibility, and low cost. However, the relatively low optical absorption of the OPV active layers still represents an open issue in view of efficient devices that cannot be addressed by adopting conventional light coupling strategies derived from thick PV absorbers. The light coupling to thin-film solar cells can be boosted by nanostructuring the device interfaces at the subwavelength scale. Here, we demonstrate broadband and omnidirectional photon harvesting in thin-film OPV devices enabled by highly ordered one-dimensional (1D) arrays of nanogrooves. Laser interference lithography, in combination with reactive ion etching (RIE), provides the controlled tailoring of the height and periodicity of the silica grooves, enabling effective tuning of the anti-reflection properties in the active organic layer (PTB7:PCBM). With this strategy, we demonstrate a strong enhancement of the optical absorption, as high as 19% with respect to a flat device, over a broadband visible and near-infrared spectrum. The OPV device supported on these optimized nanogrooved substrates yields a 14% increase in short-circuit current over the corresponding flat device, highlighting the potential of this large-scale light-harvesting strategy in the broader context of thin-film technologies.

Ion-driven nanograin formation in early-stage degradation of tri-cation perovskite films

The operational stability of organic-inorganic halide perovskite based solar cells is a challenge for widespread commercial adoption. The mobility of ionic species is a key contributor to perovskite instability since ion migration can lead to unfavourable changes in the crystal lattice and ultimately destabilisation of the perovskite phase. Here we study the nanoscale early-stage degradation of mixed-halide mixed-cation perovskite films under operation-like conditions using electrical scanning probe microscopy to investigate the formation of surface nanograin defects. We identify the nanograins as lead iodide and study their formation in ambient and inert environments with various optical, thermal, and electrical stress conditions in order to elucidate the different underlying degradation mechanisms. We find that the intrinsic instability is related to the polycrystalline morphology, where electrical bias stress leads to the build-up of charge at grain boundaries and lateral space charge gradients that destabilise the local perovskite lattice facilitating escape of the organic cation. This mechanism is accelerated by enhanced ionic mobility under optical excitation. Our findings highlight the importance of inhibiting the formation of local charge imbalance, either through compositions preventing ionic redistribution or local grain boundary passivation, in order to extend operational stability in perovskite photovoltaics.

Wide-bandgap organic solar cells with a novel perylene-based non-fullerene acceptor enabling open-circuit voltages beyond 1.4 V

A perylene-based acceptor (PMI-FF-PMI), consisting of two perylene monoimide (PMI) units bridged with a dihydroindeno[1,2-b]fluorene molecule was developed as a potential non-fullerene acceptor (NFA) for organic solar cells (OSCs). The synthesized NFA was combined with the high-performance donor polymer D18 to fabricate efficient OSCs. With an effective bandgap of 2.02 eV, the D18:PMI-FF-PMI blend can be categorized as a wide-bandgap OSC and is an attractive candidate for application as a wide-bandgap sub-cell in all-organic triple-junction solar cell devices. Owing to their large effective bandgap, D18:PMI-FF-PMI solar cells are characterized by an extremely high open-circuit voltage (V _OC) of 1.41 V, which to the best of our knowledge is the highest reported value for solution-processed OSCs so far. Despite the exceptionally high V _OC of this blend, a comparatively large non-radiative voltage loss (ΔV ^non-rad _OC) of 0.25 V was derived from a detailed voltage loss analysis. Measurements of the electroluminescence quantum yield (ELQY) of the solar cell reveal high ELQY values of ∼0.1%, which contradicts the ELQY values derived from the non-radiative voltage loss (ΔV ^non-rad _OC = 0.25 V, ELQY = 0.0063%). This work should help to raise awareness that (especially for BHJ blends with small Δ_HOMO or Δ_LUMO offsets) the measured ELQY cannot be straightforwardly used to calculate the ΔV ^non-rad _OC. To avoid any misinterpretation of the non-radiative voltage losses, the presented ELQY discrepancies for the D18:PMI-FF-PMI system should encourage OPV researchers to primarily rely on the ΔV ^non-rad _OC values derived from the presented voltage loss analysis based on EQE_PV and J-V measurements.

Overcoming intra-molecular repulsions in PEDTT by sulphate counter-ion

We set out to demonstrate the development of a highly conductive polymer based on poly-(3,4-ethylenedithia thiophene) (PEDTT), PEDOTs structural analogue historically notorious for structural disorder and limited conductivities. The caveat therein was previously described to lie in intra-molecular repulsions. We demonstrate how a tremendous >2600-fold improvement in conductivity and metallic features, such as magnetoconductivity can be achieved. This is achieved through a careful choice of the counter-ion (sulphate) and the use of oxidative chemical vapour deposition (oCVD). It is shown that high structural order on the molecular level was established and the formation of crystallites tens of nanometres in size was achieved. We infer that the sulphate ions therein intercalate between the polymer chains, thus forming densely packed crystals of planar molecules with extended π-systems. Consequently, room-temperature conductivities of above 1000 S cm-1 are achieved, challenging those of conventional PEDOT:PSS. The material is in the critical regime of the metal-insulator transition.

Nanoscale Charge Accumulation and Its Effect on Carrier Dynamics in Tri-cation Perovskite Structures

Nanoscale investigations by scanning probe microscopy have provided major contributions to the rapid development of organic-inorganic halide perovskites (OIHP) as optoelectronic devices. Further improvement of device level properties requires a deeper understanding of the performance-limiting mechanisms such as ion migration, phase segregation, and their effects on charge extraction both at the nano- and macroscale. Here, we have studied the dynamic electrical response of Cs0.05(FA0.83MA0.17)0.95PbI3-xBrx perovskite structures by employing conventional and microsecond time-resolved open-loop Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). Our results indicate strong negative charge carrier trapping upon illumination and very slow (>1 s) relaxation of charges at the grain boundaries. The fast electronic recombination and transport dynamics on the microsecond scale probed by time-resolved open-loop KPFM show diffusion of charge carriers toward grain boundaries and indicate locally higher recombination rates because of intrinsic compositional heterogeneity. The nanoscale electrostatic effects revealed are summarized in a collective model for mixed-halide CsFAMA. Results on multilayer solar cell structures draw direct relations between nanoscale ionic transport, charge accumulation, recombination properties, and the final device performance. Our findings extend the current understanding of complex charge carrier dynamics in stable multication OIHP structures.

Plasmon-Assisted Direction- and Polarization-Sensitive Organic Thin-Film Detector

Utilizing Bragg surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) on metal nanostructures for the use in optical devices has been intensively investigated in recent years. Here, we demonstrate the integration of nanostructured metal electrodes into an ITO-free thin film bulk heterojunction organic solar cell, by direct fabrication on a nanoimprinted substrate. The nanostructured device shows interesting optical and electrical behavior, depending on angle and polarization of incidence and the side of excitation. Remarkably, for incidence through the top electrode, a dependency on linear polarization and angle of incidence can be observed. We show that these peculiar characteristics can be attributed to the excitation of dispersive and non-dispersive Bragg SPPs on the metal–dielectric interface on the top electrode and compare it with incidence through the bottom electrode. Furthermore, the optical and electrical response can be controlled by the organic photoactive material, the nanostructures, the materials used for the electrodes and the epoxy encapsulation. Our device can be used as a detector, which generates a direct electrical readout and therefore enables the measuring of the angle of incidence of up to 60° or the linear polarization state of light, in a spectral region, which is determined by the active material. Our results could furthermore lead to novel organic Bragg SPP-based sensor for a number of applications.

Anti-Stokes photoluminescence study on a methylammonium lead bromide nanoparticle film

Photon cooling via anti-Stokes photoluminescence (ASPL) is a promising approach to realize all-solid-state cryo-refrigeration by photoexcitation. Photoluminescence quantum yields close to 100% and a strong coupling between phonons and excited states are required to achieve net cooling. We have studied the anti-Stokes photoluminescence of thin films of methylammonium lead bromide nanoparticles. We found that the anti-Stokes photoluminescence is thermally activated with an activation energy of ∼80 meV. At room temperature the ASPL up-conversion efficiency is ∼60% and it depends linearly on the excitation intensity. Our results suggest that upon further optimization of their optical properties, the investigated particles could be promising candidates for the demonstration of photon cooling in thin solid films.

Inverted (p-i-n) perovskite solar cells using a low temperature processed TiO x interlayer

In this article, we present the improvement in device performance and stability as well as reduction in hysteresis of inverted mixed-cation-mixed-halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) using a low temperature, solution processed titanium oxide (TiO x ) interlayer between [6,6]-phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) and an Al electrode. Upon applying a TiO x interlayer, device resistance was reduced compared to that of the control devices, which results in improved rectification of the characteristic current density-voltage (J-V) curve and improved overall performance of the device. PSCs with the TiO x interlayer show an open-circuit voltage (V oc) of around 1.1 V, current density (J sc) of around 21 mA cm-2, fill factor (FF) of around 72% and enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16% under AM1.5 solar spectrum. Moreover, devices with the TiO x interlayer show improved stability compared to devices without the TiO x interlayer. This finding reveals the dual role of the TiO x interlayer in improving device performance and stability.

Hybrid Multilayered Plasmonic Nanostars for Coherent Random Lasing

Here, we report that hybrid multilayered plasmonic nanostars can be universally used as feedback agents for coherent random lasing in polar or nonpolar solutions containing gain material. We show that silver-enhancement of gold nanostars reduces the pumping threshold for coherent random lasing substantially for both a typical dye (R6G) and a typical fluorescent polymer (MEH-PPV). Further, we reveal that the lasing intensity and pumping threshold of random lasers based on silver-enhanced gold nanostars are not influenced by the silica coating, in contrast to gold nanostar-based random lasers, where silica-coated gold nanostars support only amplified spontaneous emission but no coherent random lasing.

On the Efficiency Limit of Conjugated Polymer:Fullerene-Based Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells

The power conversion efficiency potential of eight high-performance polymer-fullerene blends is investigated. All studied absorbers show the typical organic solar cell losses limiting their performance to ≈13%.

Iodide-capped PbS quantum dots: full optical characterization of a versatile absorber

Lead sulfide quantum dots represent an emerging photovoltaic absorber material. While their associated optical qualities are true for the colloidal solution phase, they change upon processing into thin-films. A detailed view to the optical key-parameters during solid-film development is presented and the limits and outlooks for this versatile and promising absorber are discussed.

Inverted bulk-heterojunction solar cell with cross-linked hole-blocking layer

We have developed a hole-blocking layer for bulk-heterojunction solar cells based on cross-linked polyethylenimine (PEI). We tested five different ether-based cross-linkers and found that all of them give comparable solar cell efficiencies. The initial idea that a cross-linked layer is more solvent resistant compared to a pristine PEI layer could not be confirmed. With and without cross-linking, the PEI layer sticks very well to the surface of the indium-tin-oxide electrode and cannot be removed by solvents used to process PEI or common organic semiconductors. The cross-linked PEI hole-blocking layer functions for multiple donor-acceptor blends. We found that using cross-linkers improves the reproducibility of the device fabrication process.

Substrate-oriented nanorod scaffolds in polymer-fullerene bulk heterojunction solar cells

The use of a p-type inorganic semiconductor to form a nanorod scaffold within a polymer-fullerene bulk heterojunction solar cell is reported. The performance of this cell is compared to those made of the commonly used n-type scaffold of ZnO, which has been reported many times in the literature. The scaffold is designed to improve charge-carrier collection by increased mobility in thicker samples. Observations show that generally the device performance shows a negative correlation to nanorod length. By using CuSCN as a p-type inorganic scaffold, a very similar trend is observed.

Silicon/organic hybrid heterojunction infrared photodetector operating in the telecom regime

The authors report on the fabrication of a silicon/organic heterojunction based IR photodetector. It is demonstrated that an Al/p-Si/perylene-derivative/Al heterostructure exhibits a photovoltaic effect up to 2.7 μm (0.46 eV), a value significantly lower than the bandgap of either material. Although the devices are not optimized, at room temperature a rise time of 300 ns, a responsivity of ≈0.2 mA/W with a specific detectivity of D^∗ ≈ 7 × 10⁷ Jones at 1.55 μm is found. The achieved responsivity is two orders of magnitude higher compared to our previous efforts [1,2]. It will be outlined that the photocurrent originates from an absorption mechanism involving excitation of an electron from the Si valence band into the extended LUMO state in the perylene-derivative, with possible participation of intermediate localized surface state in the organic material. The non-invasive deposition of the organic interlayer onto the Si results in compatibility with the CMOS process, making the presented approach a potential alternative to all inorganic device concepts.