The fate of electron–hole pairs in polymer:fullerene blends for organic photovoltaics

Martina Causa', Jelissa De Jonghe-Risse, Mariateresa Scarongella, Jan C. Brauer, Ester Buchaca-Domingo, Jacques-E. Moser, Natalie Stingelin and Natalie Banerji ()
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Martina Causa': University of Fribourg
Jelissa De Jonghe-Risse: Photochemical Dynamics Group, Institute of Chemical Sciences & Engineering and Lausanne Centre for Ultrafast Science (LACUS), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Mariateresa Scarongella: University of Fribourg
Jan C. Brauer: University of Fribourg
Ester Buchaca-Domingo: Imperial College London
Jacques-E. Moser: Photochemical Dynamics Group, Institute of Chemical Sciences & Engineering and Lausanne Centre for Ultrafast Science (LACUS), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Natalie Stingelin: Imperial College London
Natalie Banerji: University of Fribourg

Nature Communications, 2016, vol. 7, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract There has been long-standing debate on how free charges are generated in donor:acceptor blends that are used in organic solar cells, and which are generally comprised of a complex phase morphology, where intermixed and neat phases of the donor and acceptor material co-exist. Here we resolve this question, basing our conclusions on Stark effect spectroscopy data obtained in the absence and presence of externally applied electric fields. Reconciling opposing views found in literature, we unambiguously demonstrate that the fate of photogenerated electron–hole pairs—whether they will dissociate to free charges or geminately recombine—is determined at ultrafast times, despite the fact that their actual spatial separation can be much slower. Our insights are important to further develop rational approaches towards material design and processing of organic solar cells, assisting to realize their purported promise as lead-free, third-generation energy technology that can reach efficiencies over 10%.

Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12556

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