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Rational molecular and device design enables organic solar cells approaching 20% efficiency

Author

Listed:
  • Jiehao Fu

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom)

  • Qianguang Yang

    (Taizhou University
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Peihao Huang

    (University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Sein Chung

    (Pohang University of Science and Technology)

  • Kilwon Cho

    (Pohang University of Science and Technology)

  • Zhipeng Kan

    (Guangxi University)

  • Heng Liu

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

  • Xinhui Lu

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

  • Yongwen Lang

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom
    Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Hanjian Lai

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Feng He

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Patrick W. K. Fong

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom)

  • Shirong Lu

    (Taizhou University)

  • Yang Yang

    (University of California Los Angeles (UCLA))

  • Zeyun Xiao

    (University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Gang Li

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom)

Abstract

For organic solar cells to be competitive, the light-absorbing molecules should simultaneously satisfy multiple key requirements, including weak-absorption charge transfer state, high dielectric constant, suitable surface energy, proper crystallinity, etc. However, the systematic design rule in molecules to achieve the abovementioned goals is rarely studied. In this work, guided by theoretical calculation, we present a rational design of non-fullerene acceptor o-BTP-eC9, with distinct photoelectric properties compared to benchmark BTP-eC9. o-BTP-eC9 based device has uplifted charge transfer state, therefore significantly reducing the energy loss by 41 meV and showing excellent power conversion efficiency of 18.7%. Moreover, the new guest acceptor o-BTP-eC9 has excellent miscibility, crystallinity, and energy level compatibility with BTP-eC9, which enables an efficiency of 19.9% (19.5% certified) in PM6:BTP-C9:o-BTP-eC9 based ternary system with enhanced operational stability.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiehao Fu & Qianguang Yang & Peihao Huang & Sein Chung & Kilwon Cho & Zhipeng Kan & Heng Liu & Xinhui Lu & Yongwen Lang & Hanjian Lai & Feng He & Patrick W. K. Fong & Shirong Lu & Yang Yang & Zeyun Xi, 2024. "Rational molecular and device design enables organic solar cells approaching 20% efficiency," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-46022-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46022-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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