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Revealing electron transport connectivity as an important factor influencing stability of organic solar cells

Author

Listed:
  • Haixia Hu

    (Shandong University)

  • Rui Zhang

    (Linköping University)

  • Dongcheng Jiang

    (Shandong University)

  • Xinyu Mu

    (Shandong University)

  • Jicheng Yi

    (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

  • Han Yu

    (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

  • Lik-Kuen Ma

    (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

  • Bin Li

    (Soochow University)

  • Lingxin Cao

    (Shandong University)

  • Mengzhen Sha

    (Shandong University)

  • Jiangkai Sun

    (Shandong University)

  • Ruohua Gui

    (Shandong University)

  • Wei Liu

    (Central South University)

  • Shijie Liang

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)

  • Longlong Li

    (Shandong University)

  • Shufen Huang

    (Shandong University)

  • Jianyu Yuan

    (Soochow University)

  • Chengwang Niu

    (Shandong University)

  • Cunquan Qu

    (Shandong University)

  • Jun Yuan

    (Central South University)

  • Rongkun Zhou

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

  • Chen Zhang

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

  • Lin Lu

    (Shandong University)

  • Xiaoyan Du

    (Shandong University)

  • Kun Gao

    (Shandong University)

  • Weiwei Li

    (Beijing University of Chemical Technology)

  • Shu Kong So

    (Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong)

  • Yingping Zou

    (Central South University)

  • Yanming Sun

    (Beihang University)

  • Xiaotao Hao

    (Shandong University)

  • Feng Gao

    (Linköping University)

  • He Yan

    (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

  • Hang Yin

    (Shandong University)

Abstract

In the pursuit of advancing the commercialization of organic solar cells (OSCs), stability emerges as a paramount challenge. Herein, we show that the electron transport connectivity is a key factor determining the electron transport and device stability of OSCs. When compared to small molecular acceptors (SMAs), the larger-size polymeric acceptors (PAs) are likely to establish an electron transport network with superior connectivity. This enhanced connectivity enables more robust electron transport during potential device degradation. Our findings indicate that PA-integrated devices sustain elevated electron mobilities, even under reduced acceptor ratios (or higher impurity doping) over prolonged device operation. Furthermore, we employ the refined Su-Schrieffer-Heeger tight-binding model, in tandem with a random electron passing test and algebraic connectivity evaluations of molecular configurations, to conclusively validate the pivotal role played by the electron transport connectivity. These revelations are poised to offer new perspectives for material choices and methodologies for improving stability of OSCs.

Suggested Citation

  • Haixia Hu & Rui Zhang & Dongcheng Jiang & Xinyu Mu & Jicheng Yi & Han Yu & Lik-Kuen Ma & Bin Li & Lingxin Cao & Mengzhen Sha & Jiangkai Sun & Ruohua Gui & Wei Liu & Shijie Liang & Longlong Li & Shufen, 2025. "Revealing electron transport connectivity as an important factor influencing stability of organic solar cells," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60599-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60599-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jianquan Zhang & Huei Shuan Tan & Xugang Guo & Antonio Facchetti & He Yan, 2018. "Material insights and challenges for non-fullerene organic solar cells based on small molecular acceptors," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 3(9), pages 720-731, September.
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