Complex formation of ferrocene derivatives with electron transport layers enables improved performance and photostability in organic solar cells
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Sukpoonprom, Patipan
Tremlett, William DJ
Qiao, Zhuoran
Chattakoonpaisarn, Chitsanucha
Hong, Eunyoung
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Electron transport layers (ETLs), e.g., metal oxides, organic small molecules, or conjugated polymers, play a vital role in both performance and photo-thermal stability in organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, we explored hybrid organic-inorganic electron transport materials by forming complexes between typical electron transport layers and ferrocene (Fc)-based molecules. Experimental and theoretical investigations revealed van der Waals interaction between the ETL and Fc compounds, which allows fine-tuning of the electrode work function to improve charge extraction properties and reduce trap-assisted recombination. As a result, OSCs showed improved fill factor (FF) and power conversion efficiency (PCE) for five donor-acceptor blends and three ETLs, with FF and PCE exceeding 80% and 20.1%, respectively. Finally, we demonstrated improved photostability for the hybrid ETLs with devices that retained 80% of their initial performance for 700 h when degraded under operating conditions (ISOS-L-1I).
Date Issued
2025-10-15
Date Acceptance
2025-08-11
Citation
Joule, 2025, 9 (10)
ISSN
2542-4785
Publisher
Cell Press
Journal / Book Title
Joule
Volume
9
Issue
10
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
License URL
Subjects
CHEMICAL-ANALYSIS
Chemistry
Chemistry, Physical
EFFICIENCY
Energy & Fuels
Materials Science
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
MOBILITY
PHOTOVOLTAICS
Physical Sciences
POLYMERS
Science & Technology
Technology
TRANSITION
X-RAY PHOTOELECTRON
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
102107
Date Publish Online
2025-09-05