Rationalization of the selectivity in the optimization of processing conditions for high-performance polymer solar cells based on the polymer self-assembly ability

Han Yan, Lingyun Zhu, Denghua Li, Yajie Zhang, Yuanping Yi, Yanlian Yang, Zhixiang Wei*, Jean Luc Brédas

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    7 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Tailoring the blend morphology in a bulk heterojunction device is of critical importance but remains a challenge today. Although the morphologies of polymer solar cells can be tuned by thermal/solvent annealing or by incorporation of solvent additives, optimizing the morphology of the active layer for a newly synthesized polymer has, to date, remained mostly an empirical approach. In this work, three typical polymers in organic photovoltaics have been studied. By processing at different conditions, each polymer reveals high selectivity in the optimizing methods. Optical spectrum and electrostatic force microscopy results demonstrate morphology as the main reason for various device performances. Further, these can be traced back to the self-assembly behaviors of polymers. By the established relationships between molecular structure, morphology, and the corresponding device performances, we propose a self-assembly based process-selection guideline for efficient performance improvement of newly synthesized materials.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)29473-29481
    Number of pages9
    JournalJOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
    Volume118
    Issue number51
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Dec 26 2014

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
    • General Energy
    • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
    • Surfaces, Coatings and Films

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