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Critical length screening enables 19% efficiency in thick-film organic solar cells

Author

Listed:
  • Yuan Meng

    (Shandong University)

  • Bo Cheng

    (Shandong University)

  • Dongcheng Jiang

    (Shandong University)

  • Jiangkai Sun

    (Shandong University)

  • Jiawei Qiao

    (Shandong University)

  • Beibei Shi

    (Shandong University)

  • Haisheng Ma

    (Beihang University)

  • Jingtian Zhu

    (Shandong University)

  • Lianbo Wang

    (Shandong University)

  • Runzheng Gu

    (Shandong University)

  • Peng Lu

    (Shandong University)

  • Yanna Sun

    (Shandong University)

  • Xiaoyan Du

    (Shandong University)

  • Xia Guo

    (Shandong University)

  • Ke Gao

    (Shandong University)

  • He Yan

    (Clear Water Bay)

  • Maojie Zhang

    (Shandong University)

  • Feng Chen

    (Shandong University)

  • Yanming Sun

    (Beihang University)

  • Xiaotao Hao

    (Shandong University)

  • Hang Yin

    (Shandong University)

Abstract

The commercialization of organic solar cells (OSCs) requires thick-film active layers, yet current thick-film-compatible acceptor selection based on zero-field mobility is unreliable due to methodological inconsistencies in experimental protocols, fitting models, and single-carrier device configurations. Existing literature indicates that the zero-field mobility in high-performance thick-film devices shows negligible differences compared to thin-film counterparts, thereby invalidating its significance as a selection criterion. This study introduces a protocol identifying critical length - an intrinsic property distinct from zero-field mobility - as the decisive factor for thick-film OSC performance. Comparative studies reveal that enlarged acceptor domains with high critical length yield increased hopping frequency, improved charge mobility and reduced field-dependent, collectively enhancing performance. Applying this criterion, we identify BTP-eC9 as a general acceptor, achieving 19.0% efficiency in thick-film D18:L8-BO:BTP-eC9 OSCs. This work not only demonstrates the fabrication of high-performance thick-film OSCs, but fundamentally advances material screening methodology specifically tailored for thick-film-compatible organic semiconductors.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuan Meng & Bo Cheng & Dongcheng Jiang & Jiangkai Sun & Jiawei Qiao & Beibei Shi & Haisheng Ma & Jingtian Zhu & Lianbo Wang & Runzheng Gu & Peng Lu & Yanna Sun & Xiaoyan Du & Xia Guo & Ke Gao & He Yan, 2025. "Critical length screening enables 19% efficiency in thick-film organic solar cells," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-64808-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64808-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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