Low-Temperature Solution-Processed Electron Transport Layers for Inverted Polymer Solar Cells
File(s)Zhang aelm.201600008.pdf (20.8 MB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Processing temperature is highlighted as a convenient means of controlling the
optical and charge transport properties of solution processed electron transport
layers (ETLs) in inverted polymer solar cells. Using the well-studied active
layer - poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT):indene-C60 bisadduct (ICBA) –
we show the influence of ETL processing temperatures from 25 °C - 450 °C,
reporting the role of crystallinity, structure, charge transport and Fermi level
(EF) on numerous device performance characteristics. We determine that an
exceptionally low temperature processed ETL (110 °C) increases that device
power conversion efficiency (PCE) by a factor greater than 50% compared with
a high temperature (450 °C) processed ETL. Modulations in device series and
shunt resistance, induced by changes in the ETL transport properties are
observed in parallel to significant changes in device open circuit voltage
attributed to changes on the EF of the ETLs. Our work highlights the importance
of interlayer control in multilayer photovoltaic devices and presents a
convenient material compatible with future flexible and roll-to-roll processes.
optical and charge transport properties of solution processed electron transport
layers (ETLs) in inverted polymer solar cells. Using the well-studied active
layer - poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT):indene-C60 bisadduct (ICBA) –
we show the influence of ETL processing temperatures from 25 °C - 450 °C,
reporting the role of crystallinity, structure, charge transport and Fermi level
(EF) on numerous device performance characteristics. We determine that an
exceptionally low temperature processed ETL (110 °C) increases that device
power conversion efficiency (PCE) by a factor greater than 50% compared with
a high temperature (450 °C) processed ETL. Modulations in device series and
shunt resistance, induced by changes in the ETL transport properties are
observed in parallel to significant changes in device open circuit voltage
attributed to changes on the EF of the ETLs. Our work highlights the importance
of interlayer control in multilayer photovoltaic devices and presents a
convenient material compatible with future flexible and roll-to-roll processes.
Date Issued
2016-04-05
Date Acceptance
2016-04-05
Citation
Advanced Electronic Materials, 2016, 2 (6)
ISSN
2199-160X
Publisher
Wiley
Journal / Book Title
Advanced Electronic Materials
Volume
2
Issue
6
Copyright Statement
This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Zhang, J., Faria, J. C. D., Morbidoni, M., Porte, Y., Burgess, C. H., Harrabi, K. and McLachlan, M. A. (2016), Low-Temperature Solution-Processed Electron Transport Layers for Inverted Polymer Solar Cells. Adv. Electron. Mater., 1600008, which has been published in final form at https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aelm.201600008. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance With Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving.
Sponsor
Stichting Dutch Polymer Institute
Kaust
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Grant Number
DPI/2011-11414
N/A
EP/K030760/1
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
1600008