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Interfacial Modification Using Hydrogenated TiO 2 Electron‐Selective Layers for High‐Efficiency and Light‐Soaking‐Free Organic Solar Cells
Author(s) -
Nam Minwoo,
Huh Jin Young,
Park Yongkook,
Hong Yong Cheol,
Ko DooHyun
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
advanced energy materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.08
H-Index - 220
eISSN - 1614-6840
pISSN - 1614-6832
DOI - 10.1002/aenm.201703064
Subject(s) - materials science , organic solar cell , chemical engineering , cathode , energy conversion efficiency , active layer , photoactive layer , bilayer , optoelectronics , layer (electronics) , nanotechnology , polymer solar cell , membrane , polymer , composite material , chemistry , thin film transistor , biology , engineering , genetics
Optimizing the interfacial contacts between the photoactive layer and the electrodes is an important factor in determining the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). A charge‐selective layer with tailored electrical properties enhances the charge collection efficiency and interfacial stability. Here, the potential of hydrogenated TiO 2 nanoparticles (H‐TiO 2 NPs) as an efficient electron‐selective layer (ESL) material in OSCs is reported for the first time. The H‐TiO 2 is synthesized by discharge plasma in liquid at atmospheric pressure, which has the benefits of a simple one‐pot synthesis process, rapid and mild reaction conditions, and the capacity for mass production. The H‐TiO 2 exhibits high conductivity and favorable energy level formation for efficient electron extraction, providing a basis for an efficient bilayer ESL system composed of conjugated polyelectrolyte/H‐TiO 2 . Thus, the enhanced charge transport and extraction efficiency with reduced recombination losses at the cathode interfacial contacts is achieved. Moreover, the OSCs composed of H‐TiO 2 are almost free of light soaking, which has been reported to severely limit the performance and stability of OSCs based on conventional TiO 2 ESLs. Therefore, H‐TiO 2 as a new efficient, stable, and cost‐effective ESL material has the potential to open new opportunities for optoelectronic devices.