Fine-tuning of the chemical structure of photoactive materials for highly efficient organic photovoltaics

Baobing Fan, Xiaoyan Du, Feng Liu, Wenkai Zhong, Lei Ying (), Ruihao Xie, Xiaofeng Tang, Kang An, Jingming Xin, Ning Li (), Wei Ma, Christoph J. Brabec, Fei Huang () and Yong Cao
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Baobing Fan: South China University of Technology
Xiaoyan Du: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Feng Liu: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Wenkai Zhong: South China University of Technology
Lei Ying: South China University of Technology
Ruihao Xie: South China University of Technology
Xiaofeng Tang: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Kang An: South China University of Technology
Jingming Xin: Xi’an Jiaotong University
Ning Li: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Wei Ma: Xi’an Jiaotong University
Christoph J. Brabec: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Fei Huang: South China University of Technology
Yong Cao: South China University of Technology

Nature Energy, 2018, vol. 3, issue 12, 1051-1058

Abstract: Abstract The performance of organic photovoltaics is largely dependent on the balance of short-circuit current density (JSC) and open-circuit voltage (VOC). For instance, the reduction of the active materials’ optical bandgap, which increases the JSC, would inevitably lead to a concomitant reduction in VOC. Here, we demonstrate that careful tuning of the chemical structure of photoactive materials can enhance both JSC and VOC simultaneously. Non-fullerene organic photovoltaics based on a well-matched materials combination exhibit a certified high power conversion efficiency of 12.25% on a device area of 1 cm2. By combining Fourier-transform photocurrent spectroscopy and electroluminescence, we show the existence of a low but non-negligible charge transfer state as the possible origin of VOC loss. This study highlights that the reduction of the bandgap to improve the efficiency requires a careful materials design to minimize non-radiative VOC losses.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41560-018-0263-4

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