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11 Nov 14:11

Highly flexible and sensitive temperature sensors based on Ti3C2Tx (MXene) for electronic skin

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019, 7,25314-25323
DOI: 10.1039/C9TA09225K, Paper
Zherui Cao, Yina Yang, Yinghui Zheng, Wei Wu, Fangfang Xu, Ranran Wang, Jing Sun
Ti3C2Tx based flexible temperature sensors exhibit a tunable high performance and realize proximity and illumination detection for electronic skin.
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11 Nov 14:10

Suppressing photo-oxidation of non-fullerene acceptors and their blends in organic solar cells by exploring material design and employing friendly stabilizers

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019, 7,25088-25101
DOI: 10.1039/C9TA09961A, Paper
Jing Guo, Yao Wu, Rui Sun, Wei Wang, Jie Guo, Qiang Wu, Xiaofeng Tang, Chenkai Sun, Zhenghui Luo, Kai Chang, Zhuohan Zhang, Jun Yuan, Tengfei Li, Weihua Tang, Erjun Zhou, Zuo Xiao, Liming Ding, Yingping Zou, Xiaowei Zhan, Chuluo Yang, Zhen Li, Christoph J. Brabec, Yongfang Li, Jie Min
Rational material design and additive selection boost the longevity of high-efficiency non-fullerene solar cells against photo-oxidation.
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11 Nov 14:10

High-efficiency non-halogenated solvent processable polymer/PCBM solar cells via fluorination-enabled optimized nanoscale morphology

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019, 7,24992-25002
DOI: 10.1039/C9TA08960H, Paper
Shafket Rasool, Quoc Viet Hoang, Doan Van Vu, Thi Thu Trang Bui, Seon-Mi Jin, Thuy Thi Ho, Chang Eun Song, Hang Ken Lee, Sang Kyu Lee, Jong-Cheol Lee, Sang-Jin Moon, Eunji Lee, Won Suk Shin
The fullerene-based PSCs based on novel PNTz4T-1F polymer processed from a halogen-free solvent system demonstrated an outstanding PCE of 11.77% due to the optimum molecular ordering/packing and morphology.
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11 Nov 14:09

A novel all solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor with superior electrochemical performance in a wide temperature range using a hydroquinone modified graphene xerogel as the cathode and N-doped Ti3C2Tx as the anode

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C9TA09447D, Paper
Qimeng Sun, Tao He, Yueming Li
An all solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor composed of a hydroquinone modified graphene xerogel (cathode) and N-doped Ti3C2Tx (anode) shows superior electrochemical performance in a wide temperature range.
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11 Nov 14:07

16.55% efficiency ternary organic solar cells enabled by incorporating a small molecular donor

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019, 7,25894-25899
DOI: 10.1039/C9TA10145D, Paper
Tingting Yan, Jinfeng Ge, Tao Lei, Wenxia Zhang, Wei Song, Billy Fanady, Danli Zhang, Sanhui Chen, Ruixiang Peng, Ziyi Ge
A 16.55% high efficiency organic solar cell was achieved by employing a PM6:SM1:Y6 system with an effective and simple ternary strategy.
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11 Nov 14:05

Simultaneous improvement of three parameters using a binary processing solvent system approach in as-cast non-fullerene solar cells

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019, 7,25978-25984
DOI: 10.1039/C9TA10887D, Paper
Guoming Qin, Lianjie Zhang, Dong Yuan, Haiying Jiang, Wei Tang, Mingjun Chen, Weijing Wu, Yong Cao, Junwu Chen
A binary solvent approach simultaneously improves the open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and fill factor, and finally elevates the as-cast photovoltaic performance.
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11 Nov 14:05

Introducing an identical benzodithiophene donor unit for polymer donors and small-molecule acceptors to unveil the relationship between the molecular structure and photovoltaic performance of non-fullerene organic solar cells

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019, 7,26351-26357
DOI: 10.1039/C9TA09241B, Paper
Youdi Zhang, Laitao Shi, Tao Yang, Tao Liu, Yiqun Xiao, Xinhui Lu, He Yan, Zhongyi Yuan, Yiwang Chen, Yongfang Li
We designed an acceptor ITIC-SF by fluorinating the thiophene ring in the benzodithiophene segment of ITIC-S and investigated its effect on the morphology and performance.
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11 Nov 14:05

All-polymer indoor photovoltaics with high open-circuit voltage

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019, 7,26533-26539
DOI: 10.1039/C9TA10040G, Paper
Zicheng Ding, Ruyan Zhao, Yingjian Yu, Jun Liu
An all-polymer photovoltaic cell shows an efficiency of 27.4% with a high open-circuit voltage of 1.16 V under indoor light illumination.
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11 Nov 14:02

Enhanced performance of ternary organic solar cells with a wide bandgap acceptor as the third component

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C9TA09268D, Paper
He Huang, Xiaojun Li, Shanshan Chen, Beibei Qiu, Jiaqi Du, Lei Meng, Zhanjun Zhang, Changduk Yang, Yongfang Li
Two n-type organic semiconductor (n-OS) acceptors, C8-SF and Y-MODF, were designed and synthesized for application in organic solar cells (OSCs).
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11 Nov 13:49

High Performance Thick‐Film Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells with Efficiency over 10% and Active Layer Thickness of 600 nm

by Yamin Zhang, Huanran Feng, Lingxian Meng, Yanbo Wang, Meijia Chang, Shitong Li, Ziqi Guo, Chenxi Li, Nan Zheng, Zengqi Xie, Xiangjian Wan, Yongsheng Chen
Advanced Energy Materials High Performance Thick‐Film Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells with Efficiency over 10% and Active Layer Thickness of 600 nm

A nonfullerene acceptor based active layer with high halogen contents is designed to fabricate efficient thick‐film organic solar cells. The conventional structure device using chlorinated acceptor F–2Cl and fluorinated donor PM6 exhibits a power conversion efficiency over 10% with an active layer thickness of 600 nm.


Abstract

Developing efficient organic solar cells (OSCs) with relatively thick active layer compatible with the roll to roll large area printing process is an inevitable requirement for the commercialization of this field. However, typical laboratory OSCs generally exhibit active layers with optimized thickness around 100 nm and very low thickness tolerance, which cannot be suitable for roll to roll process. In this work, high performance of thick‐film organic solar cells employing a nonfullerene acceptor F–2Cl and a polymer donor PM6 is demonstrated. High power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 13.80% in the inverted structure device and 12.83% in the conventional structure device are achieved under optimized conditions. PCE of 9.03% is obtained for the inverted device with active layer thickness of 500 nm. It is worth noting that the conventional structure device still maintains the PCE of over 10% when the film thickness of the active layer is 600 nm, which is the highest value for the NF‐OSCs with such a large active layer thickness. It is found that the performance difference between the thick active layer films based conventional and inverted devices is attributed to their different vertical phase separation in the active layers.

11 Nov 13:46

Sequentially Deposited versus Conventional Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells: Interfacial Trap States, Vertical Stratification, and Exciton Dissociation

by Jiangbin Zhang, Moritz H. Futscher, Vincent Lami, Felix U. Kosasih, Changsoon Cho, Qinying Gu, Aditya Sadhanala, Andrew J. Pearson, Bin Kan, Giorgio Divitini, Xiangjian Wan, Dan Credgington, Neil C. Greenham, Yongsheng Chen, Caterina Ducati, Bruno Ehrler, Yana Vaynzof, Richard H. Friend, Artem A. Bakulin
Advanced Energy Materials Sequentially Deposited versus Conventional Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells: Interfacial Trap States, Vertical Stratification, and Exciton Dissociation

Recently, sequential deposition of donor and acceptor layers has been demonstrated to be an alternative method to fabricate highly efficient bulk‐heterojunction organic solar cells. A simple “needle” model to simulate its morphology indicates a different morphological requirement which rationalizes the high exciton dissociation efficiency.


Abstract

Bulk heterojunction (BHJ) nonfullerene organic solar cells prepared from sequentially deposited donor and acceptor layers (sq‐BHJ) have recently been shown to be highly efficient, environmentally friendly, and compatible with large area and roll‐to‐roll fabrication. However, the related photophysics at donor‐acceptor interface and the vertical heterogeneity of donor‐acceptor distribution, critical for exciton dissociation and device performance, have been largely unexplored. Herein, steady‐state and time‐resolved optical and electrical techniques are employed to characterize the interfacial trap states. Correlating with the luminescent efficiency of interfacial states and its nonradiative recombination, interfacial trap states are characterized to be about 40% more populated in the sq‐BHJ devices than the as‐cast BHJ (c‐BHJ), which probably limits the device voltage output. Cross‐sectional energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy depth profiling directly visualize the donor–acceptor vertical stratification with a precision of 1–2 nm. From the proposed “needle” model, the high exciton dissociation efficiency is rationalized. This study highlights the promise of sequential deposition to fabricate efficient solar cells, and points toward improving the voltage output and overall device performance via eliminating interfacial trap states.

11 Nov 13:35

Charge‐Transport Properties of F6TNAP‐Based Charge‐Transfer Cocrystals

by Raghunath R. Dasari, Xu Wang, Ren A. Wiscons, Hamna F. Haneef, Ajith Ashokan, Yadong Zhang, Marina S. Fonari, Stephen Barlow, Veaceslav Coropceanu, Tatiana V. Timofeeva, Oana D. Jurchescu, Jean‐Luc Brédas, Adam J. Matzger, Seth R. Marder
Advanced Functional Materials Charge‐Transport Properties of F6TNAP‐Based Charge‐Transfer Cocrystals

Structural, electronic band structure, and electrical properties of a series of charge‐transfer cocrystals based on F6TNAP and six planar donors are presented. Density functional theory calculations afford large conduction bandwidths and low effective masses for all six cocrystals. A few cocrystals exhibit charge‐carrier mobilities in excess of 1 cm2 V−1 s−1, as estimated from space‐charge limited current measurements.


Abstract

The crystal structures of the charge‐transfer (CT) cocrystals formed by the π‐electron acceptor 1,3,4,5,7,8‐hexafluoro‐11,11,12,12‐tetracyanonaphtho‐2,6‐quinodimethane (F6TNAP) with the planar π‐electron‐donor molecules triphenylene (TP), benzo[b]benzo[4,5]thieno[2,3‐d]thiophene (BTBT), benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDT), pyrene (PY), anthracene (ANT), and carbazole (CBZ) have been determined using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD), along with those of two polymorphs of F6TNAP. All six cocrystals exhibit 1:1 donor/acceptor stoichiometry and adopt mixed‐stacking motifs. Cocrystals based on BTBT and CBZ π‐electron donor molecules exhibit brickwork packing, while the other four CT cocrystals show herringbone‐type crystal packing. Infrared spectroscopy, molecular geometries determined by SCXRD, and electronic structure calculations indicate that the extent of ground‐state CT in each cocrystal is small. Density functional theory calculations predict large conduction bandwidths and, consequently, low effective masses for electrons for all six CT cocrystals, while the TP‐, BDT‐, and PY‐based cocrystals are also predicted to have large valence bandwidths and low effective masses for holes. Charge‐carrier mobility values are obtained from space‐charge limited current (SCLC) measurements and field‐effect transistor measurements, with values exceeding 1 cm2 V−1 s1 being estimated from SCLC measurements for BTBT:F6TNAP and CBZ:F6TNAP cocrystals.

11 Nov 13:19

Perylene Diimide‐Based Nonfullerene Polymer Solar Cells with over 11% Efficiency Fabricated by Smart Molecular Design and Supramolecular Morphology Optimization

by Guangjun Zhang, Jirui Feng, Xiaopeng Xu, Wei Ma, Ying Li, Qiang Peng
Advanced Functional Materials Perylene Diimide‐Based Nonfullerene Polymer Solar Cells with over 11% Efficiency Fabricated by Smart Molecular Design and Supramolecular Morphology Optimization

A series of high‐performance perylene diimide based molecular acceptors, namely, TPP‐PDI, TPO‐PDI, and TPS‐PDI, are smartly designed for efficient nonfullerene polymer solar cells. Combined with the optimization of the blend morphology through supramolecular molecular lock effect, the champion power conversion efficiency of 11.01% is realized in TPO‐PDI‐based devices.


Abstract

A series of perylene diimide (PDI) derivatives, TPP‐PDI, TPO‐PDI, and TPS‐PDI, are developed for nonfullerene polymer solar cells (NF‐PSCs) by flaking three PDI skeletons around 3D central cores with different configurations and electronic states, such as triphenylphosphine (TPP), triphenylphosphine monoxide (TPO), and triphenylphosphine sulfide (TPS). These small‐molecule acceptors have a “three‐wing propeller” structure due to their similar backbones. By changing the electron density of phosphorus atoms through oxidation and sulfuration, the “folding‐back” strength is decreased, resulting in a less twisted molecular conformation. The stronger electron‐withdrawing ability of the oxygen atom affords TPO‐PDI the least twisted conformation, which enhances the crystallinity of this complex. NF‐PSCs based on PTTEA:TPO‐PDI exhibit a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.65%. Ultimately, the joint “molecular lock” effect arising from OH⋅⋅⋅F and OH⋅⋅⋅OP supramolecular interactions is achieved by introducing 4,4′‐biphenol as an additive, which successfully promotes fibril‐like phase separation and blend morphology optimization to generate the highest PCE of 11.01%, which is currently the highest value recorded for NF‐PSCs based on PDI acceptors.

11 Nov 13:08

Effects of Short‐Axis Alkoxy Substituents on Molecular Self‐Assembly and Photovoltaic Performance of Indacenodithiophene‐Based Acceptors

by Xiaojun Li, He Huang, Indunil Angunawela, Jiadong Zhou, Jiaqi Du, Alex Liebman‐Pelaez, Chenhui Zhu, Zhanjun Zhang, Lei Meng, Zengqi Xie, Harald Ade, Yongfang Li
Advanced Functional Materials Effects of Short‐Axis Alkoxy Substituents on Molecular Self‐Assembly and Photovoltaic Performance of Indacenodithiophene‐Based Acceptors

Effect of side chain length of central fused‐ring on the physicochemical, self‐assembly, and photovoltaic properties of the small molecule acceptors (SMAs) is investigated. Single‐crystal structure and grazing incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering results reveal that the longer side chains lead to different long‐range ordering in the molecular aggregation, which improves the molecular ordering in films and increases photovoltaic performance of the SMAs.


Abstract

The effects of central alkoxy side chain length of a series of narrow bandgap small molecule acceptors (SMAs) on their physicochemical properties and on the photovoltaic performance of the SMA‐based polymer solar cells (PSCs) are systematically investigated. It is found that the ordered aggregation of these SMAs in films is enhanced gradually with the increase of alkoxy chain length. The single‐crystal structures of these SMAs further reveal that small changes in the side chain length can have a dramatic impact on molecular self‐assembly. The short‐circuit current density and power conversion efficiency values of the corresponding PSCs increase with the increase of the side chain length of the SMAs. The π–π coherence length of the SMAs in the active layers is increased with the increase of the side chain length, which could be the reason for the increase of the J sc in the PSCs. The results indicate that small changes in side chain length can have a dramatic impact on the molecular self‐assembly, morphology, and photovoltaic performance of the PSCs. The structure–performance relationship established in this study can provide important instructions for the side chain engineering and for the design of efficient SMAs materials.

11 Nov 13:07

Lignin as a Wood‐Inspired Binder Enabled Strong, Water Stable, and Biodegradable Paper for Plastic Replacement

by Bo Jiang, Chaoji Chen, Zhiqiang Liang, Shuaiming He, Yudi Kuang, Jianwei Song, Ruiyu Mi, Gegu Chen, Miaolun Jiao, Liangbing Hu
Advanced Functional Materials Lignin as a Wood‐Inspired Binder Enabled Strong, Water Stable, and Biodegradable Paper for Plastic Replacement

Lignin as a reinforced binder is incorporated into cellulose fibers by successive infiltration and mechanical hot‐pressing. The resulting lignin‐cellulose composite exhibits an outstanding isotropic tensile strength and good water stability, while its thermostability and UV‐blocking performance are also improved. This biodegradable and sustainable composite with both components from natural wood represents a promising alternative that can potentially replace the nonbiodegradable plastics.


Abstract

Plastic waste has been increasingly transferred from land into the ocean and has accumulated within the food chain, causing a great threat to the environment and human health, indicating that fabricating an eco‐friendly and biodegradable replacement is urgent. Paper made of cellulose is attractive in terms of its favorable biodegradability, resource abundance, large manufacturing scale, and low material cost, but is usually hindered by its inferior stability against water and poor mechanical strength for plastic replacement. Here, inspired by the reinforcement principle of cellulose and lignin in natural wood, a strong and hydrostable cellulosic material is developed by integrating lignin into the cellulose. Lignin as a reinforced matrix is incorporated to the cellulose fiber scaffold by successive infiltration and mechanical hot‐pressing treatments. The resulting lignin‐cellulose composite exhibits an outstanding isotropic tensile strength of 200 MPa, which is significantly higher than that of conventional cellulose paper (40 MPa) and some commercial petroleum‐based plastics. Additionally, the composite demonstrates a superior wet strength of 50 MPa. Adding lignin also improves the thermostability and UV‐blocking performance of cellulose paper. The demonstrated lignin‐cellulose composite is biodegradable and eco‐friendly with both components from natural wood, which represents a promising alternative that can potentially replace the nonbiodegradable plastics.

11 Nov 12:36

An Electrode Design Rule for Organic Photovoltaics Elucidated Using a Low Surface Area Electrode

by G. Dinesha M. R. Dabera, Jaemin Lee, Ross A. Hatton
Advanced Functional Materials An Electrode Design Rule for Organic Photovoltaics Elucidated Using a Low Surface Area Electrode

Charge extraction in bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) organic photovoltaics is most efficient when the contact area between the semiconductors and electrodes is maximized. We show that ≈99% of this area can in fact be insulating without degrading the efficiency of charge carrier extraction, provided the spacing of the conducting areas is less than or equal to twice the BHJ thickness.


Abstract

It is widely considered that charge carrier extraction in bulk‐heterojunction organic photovoltaics (BHJ OPVs) is most efficient when the area of contact between the semiconductor layers and the electrodes is maximized and the electrodes are electrically homogeneous. Herein, it is shown that ≈99% of the electrode surface can in fact be insulating without degrading the efficiency of charge carrier extraction, provided the spacing of the conducting areas is less than or equal to twice the optimal thickness of the BHJ layer. This striking result is demonstrated for BHJ OPVs with both conventional and inverted device architectures using two different types of BHJ OPVs, namely, PCDTBT:PC70BM and the ternary blend PBDB‐T:ITIC‐m:PC70BM. This finding opens the door to the use of a large pallet of materials for optical spacers and charge transport layers, based on a low density of conducting particles embedded in a wide bandgap insulating matrix.

11 Nov 12:06

Organic Photodetectors and their Application in Large Area and Flexible Image Sensors: The Role of Dark Current

by Giulio Simone, Matthew J. Dyson, Stefan C. J. Meskers, René A. J. Janssen, Gerwin H. Gelinck
Organic Photodetectors and their Application in Large Area and Flexible Image Sensors: The Role of Dark Current

Organic photodetectors (OPDs) are promising for large area image detectors. Minimizing the dark current density (J d) is crucial in most applications; nevertheless, a wide range of J d values has been reported. Here, possible reasons that lead to this large variation are discussed. A quantitative analysis of intrinsic J d processes shows that charge injection from the electrodes is the dominant mechanism.


Abstract

Organic photodetectors (OPDs) have gained increasing interest as they offer cost‐effective fabrication methods using low temperature processes, making them particularly attractive for large area image detectors on lightweight flexible plastic substrates. Moreover, their photophysical and optoelectronic properties can be tuned both at a material and device level. Visible‐light OPDs are proposed for use in indirect‐conversion X‐ray detectors, fingerprint scanners, and intelligent surfaces for gesture recognition. Near‐infrared OPDs find applications in biomedical imaging and optical communications. For most applications, minimizing the OPD dark current density (J d) is crucial to improve important figures of merits such as the signal‐to‐noise ratio, the linear dynamic range, and the specific detectivity (D *). Here, a quantitative analysis of the intrinsic dark current processes shows that charge injection from the electrodes is the dominant contribution to J d in OPDs. J d reduction is typically addressed by fine‐tuning the active layer energetics and stratification or by using charge blocking layers. Yet, most experimental J d values are higher than the calculated intrinsic limit. Possible reasons for this deviation are discussed, including extrinsic defects in the photoactive layer and the presence of trap states. This provides the reader with guidelines to improve the OPD performances in view of imaging applications.

11 Nov 12:05

New Roll‐to‐Roll Processable PEDOT‐Based Polymer with Colorless Bleached State for Flexible Electrochromic Devices

by Sven Macher, Marco Schott, Mauro Sassi, Irene Facchinetti, Riccardo Ruffo, Giorgio Patriarca, Luca Beverina, Uwe Posset, Guinevere A. Giffin, Peer Löbmann
Advanced Functional Materials New Roll‐to‐Roll Processable PEDOT‐Based Polymer with Colorless Bleached State for Flexible Electrochromic Devices

A novel sidechain‐modified 3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene derivative is polymerized in a large‐area roll‐to‐roll process. As an electrochromic thin film, the corresponding poly(3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene) derivative shows enhanced electrochromic properties regarding visible light transmittance change (Δτ v = 59%, ΔL* = 54.1), coloration efficiency (η = 530 cm2 C−1) and color neutrality in the bleached state (L* = 83.8, a* = −4.3, b* = −4.1).


Abstract

Conjugated electrochromic (EC) polymers for flexible EC devices (ECDs) generally lack a fully colorless bleached state. A strategy to overcome this drawback is the implementation of a new sidechain‐modified poly(3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene) derivative that can be deposited in thin‐film form in a customized high‐throughput and large‐area roll‐to‐roll polymerization process. The sidechain modification provides enhanced EC properties in terms of visible light transmittance change, Δτv = 59% (ΔL* = 54.1), contrast ratio (CR = 15.8), coloration efficiency (η = 530 cm² C−1), and color neutrality (L* = 83.8, a* = −4.3, b* = −4.1) in the bleached state. The intense blue‐colored polymer thin films exhibit high cycle stability (10 000 cycles) and fast response times. The design, synthesis, and polymerization of the modified 3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene derivative are discussed along with a detailed optical, electrochemical, and spectroelectrochemical characterization of the resulting EC thin films. Finally, a flexible see‐through ECD with a visible light transmittance change of Δτv = 47% (ΔL* = 51.9) and a neutral‐colored bleached state is developed.

11 Nov 12:03

8.78% Efficient All‐Polymer Solar Cells Enabled by Polymer Acceptors Based on a B←N Embedded Electron‐Deficient Unit

by Yongchun Li, Huifeng Meng, Tao Liu, Yiqun Xiao, Zhonghai Tang, Bo Pang, Yuqing Li, Ying Xiang, Guangye Zhang, Xinhui Lu, Gui Yu, He Yan, Chuanlang Zhan, Jianhua Huang, Jiannian Yao
Advanced Materials 8.78% Efficient All‐Polymer Solar Cells Enabled by Polymer Acceptors Based on a B←N Embedded Electron‐Deficient Unit

An electron‐deficient unit containing B←N bonds, namely BNIDT, is developed to construct polymer acceptors for photovoltaic applications. Desirable optoelectronic properties such as broad absorption profiles, low‐lying energy levels, ambipolar charge transport properties, and strong electron‐affinity are found for these polymers. All‐polymer solar cells using these B←N embedded polymers as acceptor materials exhibit an enhanced efficiency of 8.78%.


Abstract

In the field of all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs), all efficient polymer acceptors that exhibit efficiencies beyond 8% are based on either imide or dicyanoethylene. To boost the development of this promising solar cell type, creating novel electron‐deficient units to build high‐performance polymer acceptors is critical. A novel electron‐deficient unit containing B←N bonds, namely, BNIDT, is synthesized. Systematic investigation of BNIDT reveals desirable properties including good coplanarity, favorable single‐crystal structure, narrowed bandgap and downshifted energy levels, and extended absorption profiles. By copolymerizing BNIDT with thiophene and 3,4‐difluorothiophene, two novel conjugated polymers named BN‐T and BN‐2fT are developed, respectively. It is shown that these polymers possess wide absorption spectra covering 350–800 nm, low‐lying energy levels, and ambipolar film‐transistor characteristics. Using PBDB‐T as the donor and BN‐2fT as the acceptor, all‐PSCs afford an encouraging efficiency of 8.78%, which is the highest for all‐PSCs excluding the devices based on imide and dicyanoethylene‐type acceptors. Considering that the structure of BNIDT is totally different from these classical units, this work opens up a new class of electron‐deficient unit for constructing efficient polymer acceptors that can realize efficiencies beyond 8% for the first time.

11 Nov 11:54

13.7% Efficiency Small‐Molecule Solar Cells Enabled by a Combination of Material and Morphology Optimization

by Qihui Yue, Hao Wu, Zichun Zhou, Ming Zhang, Feng Liu, Xiaozhang Zhu
Advanced Materials 13.7% Efficiency Small‐Molecule Solar Cells Enabled by a Combination of Material and Morphology Optimization

An ideal materials combination based on the electron donor BSFTR and acceptor Y6 is selected to construct small‐molecule solar cells (SMSCs). By morphology optimization, an extraordinary power conversion efficiency of 13.69% with a remarkably low energy loss of 0.48 eV is achieved, which is beneficial from the matched photoelectric properties, the favorable blend morphology, and is the best binary SMSC performance reported so far.


Abstract

Compared with the quick development of polymer solar cells, achieving high‐efficiency small‐molecule solar cells (SMSCs) remains highly challenging, as they are limited by the lack of matched materials and morphology control to a great extent. Herein, two small molecules, BSFTR and Y6, which possess broad as well as matched absorption and energy levels, are applied in SMSCs. Morphology optimization with sequential solvent vapor and thermal annealing makes their blend films show proper crystallinity, balanced and high mobilities, and favorable phase separation, which is conducive for exciton dissociation, charge transport, and extraction. These contribute to a remarkable power conversion efficiency up to 13.69% with an open‐circuit voltage of 0.85 V, a high short‐circuit current of 23.16 mA cm−2 and a fill factor of 69.66%, which is the highest value among binary SMSCs ever reported. This result indicates that a combination of materials with matched photoelectric properties and subtle morphology control is the inevitable route to high‐performance SMSCs.

11 Nov 11:50

Carbon–Oxygen‐Bridged Ladder‐Type Building Blocks for Highly Efficient Nonfullerene Acceptors

by Zuo Xiao, Shangfeng Yang, Zhou Yang, Junliang Yang, Hin‐Lap Yip, Fujun Zhang, Feng He, Tao Wang, Jizheng Wang, Yongbo Yuan, Huai Yang, Mingkui Wang, Liming Ding
Advanced Materials Carbon–Oxygen‐Bridged Ladder‐Type Building Blocks for Highly Efficient Nonfullerene Acceptors

Thanks to the strong electron‐donating capability of carbon–oxygen‐bridged (CO‐bridged) ladder‐type building blocks, CO‐bridged nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) present low bandgaps and strong light‐harvesting capability, delivering high short‐circuit current density (>28 mA cm−2) and high power conversion efficiency (>14% for single‐junction and >17% for tandem) in organic solar cells.


Abstract

Recently, acceptor–donor–acceptor (A–D–A) small molecules have emerged as promising nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) for organic solar cells and have attracted great attention. The carbon‐bridged (C‐bridged) ladder‐type D unit plays a crucial role in developing high‐performance A–D–A NFAs. However, the medium electron‐donating capability of C‐bridged units is unfavorable for making NFAs with strong light‐harvesting capability. In this regard, carbon–oxygen‐bridged (CO‐bridged) ladder‐type units present advantages in developing strong light‐absorbing NFAs. Here, recent progress in the newly emerging CO‐bridged NFAs is highlighted. The synthetic methods for the polycyclic CO‐bridged building blocks are introduced. The photovoltaic performance for CO‐bridged NFAs is summarized and discussed. Perspectives on developing high‐performance CO‐bridged‐NFA‐based solar cells are made.

11 Nov 11:49

Aromatic‐Diimide‐Based n‐Type Conjugated Polymers for All‐Polymer Solar Cell Applications

by Jing Yang, Bo Xiao, Ailing Tang, Jianfeng Li, Xiaochen Wang, Erjun Zhou
Advanced Materials Aromatic‐Diimide‐Based n‐Type Conjugated Polymers for All‐Polymer Solar Cell Applications

Aromatic‐diimide‐based polymers have emerged as the most promising n‐type semiconductors and their photovoltaic performance has been significantly improved in the past decade. The recent exciting progress is highlighted and the structure–property relationship of aromatic‐diimde‐based photovoltaic polymers is revealed, which could provide important guidelines for the further design of n‐type photovoltaic polymers.


Abstract

All‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) have attracted immense attention in recent years due to their advantages of tunable absorption spectra and electronic energy levels for both donor and acceptor polymers, as well as their superior thermal and mechanical stability. The exploration of the novel n‐type conjugated polymers (CPs), especially based on aromatic diimide (ADI), plays a vital role in the further improvement of power conversion efficiency (PCE) of all‐PSCs. Here, recent progress in structure modification of ADIs including naphthalene diimide (NDI), perylene diimide (PDI), and corresponding derivatives is reviewed, and the structure–property relationships of ADI‐based CPs are revealed.

11 Nov 11:48

Photon Upconverted Circularly Polarized Luminescence via Triplet–Triplet Annihilation

by Dong Yang, Jianlei Han, Minghua Liu, Pengfei Duan
Advanced Materials Photon Upconverted Circularly Polarized Luminescence via Triplet–Triplet Annihilation

Upconverted circularly polarized luminescence (UC‐CPL) via triplet–triplet annihilation‐based photon upconversion in chiral systems is an emerging topic in photochemistry and photophysics. The concept of this topic is described, and recent advances in the construction and application of UC‐CPL materials are highlighted. In addition, new functions emerging from UC‐CPL materials are presented.


Abstract

Circularly polarized luminescent materials are of increasing attention due to their potential applications in advanced optical technologies, such as chiroptical devices and optical sensing. Recently, in all reported circularly polarized luminescent materials, high‐energy excitation results in low‐energy or downconverted circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) emission. Although photon upconversion—i.e., the conversion of low‐energy light into higher‐energy emission, with a wide variety of applications—has been widely reported, the integration of photon upconversion and CPL in one chiral system to achieve higher‐energy CPL emission has never been reported. Herein, a brief review is provided of recent achievements in photon‐upconverted CPL via the triplet–triplet annihilation mechanism, focusing on the amplified dissymmetry factor g lum through energy transfer process and dual upconverted and downconverted CPL emission through chirality and energy transfer process.

25 Oct 11:46

Mxene Photodetectors: Beyond Gold: Spin‐Coated Ti3C2‐Based MXene Photodetectors (Adv. Mater. 43/2019)

by Kiana Montazeri, Marc Currie, Louisiane Verger, Pouya Dianat, Michel W. Barsoum, Bahram Nabet
Advanced Materials Mxene Photodetectors: Beyond Gold: Spin‐Coated Ti3C2‐Based MXene Photodetectors (Adv. Mater. 43/2019)

“As good as gold” is a seldom true adage, but in article number https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.2019032711903271, Bahram Nabet and co‐workers show that using a Ti3C2Tz (MXene) aqueous suspension, a table‐top spinner, and acetone, GaAs photodetectors that outperform conventional ones using Ti/Au can be fabricated. This ambient condition process is promising for integration into microelectronics, photonic integrated circuits, and silicon photonics technologies.


15 Oct 18:55

MXene‐Reinforced Cellulose Nanofibril Inks for 3D‐Printed Smart Fibres and Textiles

by Wen‐Tao Cao, Chang Ma, Dong‐Sheng Mao, Juan Zhang, Ming‐Guo Ma, Feng Chen
Advanced Functional Materials MXene‐Reinforced Cellulose Nanofibril Inks for 3D‐Printed Smart Fibres and Textiles

Highly flexible and conductive smart fibres and textiles with integrated multifunctionality are fabricated by assembling cellulose nanofibrils and Ti3C2 MXene using a facile 3D printing process. The resultant smart fibres and textiles exhibit excellent responsiveness to multiple external stimuli (electrical/photonic/mechanical). The smart textile can also be processed into a sensitive strain sensor to achieve real‐time human motion recognition.


Abstract

Fibre‐based materials have received tremendous attention due to their flexibility and wearability. Although great efforts have been devoted to achieve high‐performance fibres over the past several years, it is still challenging for multifunctional macroscopic fibres to satisfy versatile applications. 2D transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) with intriguing physical/chemical properties have been explored in broad application, and may be able to reinforce synthetic fibres. Inspired by natural materials, for the first time, flexible smart fibres and textiles are fabricated using a 3D printing process with hybrid inks of TEMPO (2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxylradi‐cal)‐mediated oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TOCNFs) and Ti3C2 MXene. The hybrid inks display good rheological properties, which allow them to achieve accurate structures and be rapidly printed. TOCNFs/Ti3C2 in hybrid inks self‐assemble to fibres with an aligned structure in ethanol, mimicking the features of the natural structures of plant fibres. In contrast to conventional synthetic fibres with limited functions, smart TOCNFs/Ti3C2 fibres and textiles exhibit significant responsiveness to multiple external stimuli (electrical/photonic/mechanical). TOCNFs/Ti3C2 textiles with electromechanical performance can be processed into sensitive strain sensors. Such multifunctional smart fibres and textiles will be promising in diverse applications, including wearable heating textiles, human health monitoring, and human–machine interfaces.

15 Oct 18:46

Perylene Diimide‐Based Nonfullerene Polymer Solar Cells with over 11% Efficiency Fabricated by Smart Molecular Design and Supramolecular Morphology Optimization

by Guangjun Zhang, Jirui Feng, Xiaopeng Xu, Wei Ma, Ying Li, Qiang Peng
Advanced Functional Materials Perylene Diimide‐Based Nonfullerene Polymer Solar Cells with over 11% Efficiency Fabricated by Smart Molecular Design and Supramolecular Morphology Optimization

A series of high‐performance perylene diimide based molecular acceptors, namely, TPP‐PDI, TPO‐PDI, and TPS‐PDI, are smartly designed for efficient nonfullerene polymer solar cells. Combined with the optimization of the blend morphology through supramolecular molecular lock effect, the champion power conversion efficiency of 11.01% is realized in TPO‐PDI‐based devices.


Abstract

A series of perylene diimide (PDI) derivatives, TPP‐PDI, TPO‐PDI, and TPS‐PDI, are developed for nonfullerene polymer solar cells (NF‐PSCs) by flaking three PDI skeletons around 3D central cores with different configurations and electronic states, such as triphenylphosphine (TPP), triphenylphosphine monoxide (TPO), and triphenylphosphine sulfide (TPS). These small‐molecule acceptors have a “three‐wing propeller” structure due to their similar backbones. By changing the electron density of phosphorus atoms through oxidation and sulfuration, the “folding‐back” strength is decreased, resulting in a less twisted molecular conformation. The stronger electron‐withdrawing ability of the oxygen atom affords TPO‐PDI the least twisted conformation, which enhances the crystallinity of this complex. NF‐PSCs based on PTTEA:TPO‐PDI exhibit a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.65%. Ultimately, the joint “molecular lock” effect arising from OH⋅⋅⋅F and OH⋅⋅⋅OP supramolecular interactions is achieved by introducing 4,4′‐biphenol as an additive, which successfully promotes fibril‐like phase separation and blend morphology optimization to generate the highest PCE of 11.01%, which is currently the highest value recorded for NF‐PSCs based on PDI acceptors.

15 Oct 18:45

Recent Developments and Novel Applications of Thin Film, Light‐Emitting Transistors

by Jana Zaumseil
Recent Developments and Novel Applications of Thin Film, Light‐Emitting Transistors

Light‐emitting field‐effect transistors are optoelectronic devices that combine switching and amplification with light emission. They can be created with a wide range of semiconductors from organic to inorganic and even nanoscale materials. Their unique structure and properties enable applications that include plasmonic or photonic interactions as well as optical memory.


Abstract

Light‐emitting field‐effect transistors (LEFETs) combine switching and amplification with light emission and thus represent an interesting optoelectronic device. They are not limited anymore to a few examples and specific materials but are nearly universal for a wide range of semiconductors, from organic to inorganic and nanoscale. This review introduces the basic working principles of lateral unipolar and ambipolar LEFETs and discusses recent examples based on various solution‐processed semiconducting materials. Applications beyond simple light emission are presented and possible future directions for light‐emitting transistors with added functionalities are outlined.

15 Oct 13:51

Understanding the High Performance of over 15% Efficiency in Single‐Junction Bulk Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells

by Akchheta Karki, Joachim Vollbrecht, Alana L. Dixon, Nora Schopp, Max Schrock, G. N. Manjunatha Reddy, Thuc‐Quyen Nguyen
Advanced Materials Understanding the High Performance of over 15% Efficiency in Single‐Junction Bulk Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells

The high‐performing single‐junction organic solar cell blend, PM6:Y6, is examined to obtain an in‐depth understanding of the voltage losses, and charge recombination and extraction dynamics. The devices exhibit remarkable extraction coupled with moderate recombination losses. This behavior can most likely be credited to a beneficial morphology as evidenced by atomically resolved 19F magic‐angle‐spinning solid‐state NMR analysis.


Abstract

The highly efficient single‐junction bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) PM6:Y6 system can achieve high open‐circuit voltages (V OC) while maintaining exceptional fill‐factor (FF) and short‐circuit current (J SC) values. With a low energetic offset, the blend system is found to exhibit radiative and non‐radiative recombination losses that are among the lower reported values in the literature. Recombination and extraction dynamic studies reveal that the device shows moderate non‐geminate recombination coupled with exceptional extraction throughout the relevant operating conditions. Several surface and bulk characterization techniques are employed to understand the phase separation, long‐range ordering, as well as donor:acceptor (D:A) inter‐ and intramolecular interactions at an atomic‐level resolution. This is achieved using photo‐conductive atomic force microscopy, grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, and solid‐state 19F magic‐angle‐spinning NMR spectroscopy. The synergy of multifaceted characterization and device physics is used to uncover key insights, for the first time, on the structure–property relationships of this high‐performing BHJ blend. Detailed information about atomically resolved D:A interactions and packing reveals that the high performance of over 15% efficiency in this blend can be correlated to a beneficial morphology that allows high J SC and FF to be retained despite the low energetic offset.

15 Oct 13:50

Flexible Solar Cells: A General Approach for Lab‐to‐Manufacturing Translation on Flexible Organic Solar Cells (Adv. Mater. 41/2019)

by Xiangchuan Meng, Lin Zhang, Yuanpeng Xie, Xiaotian Hu, Zhi Xing, Zengqi Huang, Cong Liu, Licheng Tan, Weihua Zhou, Yanming Sun, Wei Ma, Yiwang Chen
Advanced Materials Flexible Solar Cells: A General Approach for Lab‐to‐Manufacturing Translation on Flexible Organic Solar Cells (Adv. Mater. 41/2019)

In article number https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.2019036491903649, Xiaotian Hu, Wei Ma, Yiwang Chen, and co‐workers report a general approach to upscale flexible organic photovoltaics to the module scale without obvious efficiency loss by calculating the shear impulse during the coating/printing process. Photoelectric conversion efficiencies of 9.77% for a 1 cm2 single chip and 8.90% for a 15 cm2 solar module are demonstrated. The mechanics of shear impulse link the spin‐coating and slot‐die printing like a small boat overcoming the obstacles of thousands of mountains to arrive at a large‐area printing ferry. This research method also opens up a new strategy of lab‐to‐manufacturing translation for organic optoelectronic devices.


15 Oct 13:50

MXene Nanocomposites: Multifunctional Nanocomposites with High Strength and Capacitance Using 2D MXene and 1D Nanocellulose (Adv. Mater. 41/2019)

by Weiqian Tian, Armin VahidMohammadi, Michael S. Reid, Zhen Wang, Liangqi Ouyang, Johan Erlandsson, Torbjörn Pettersson, Lars Wågberg, Majid Beidaghi, Mahiar M. Hamedi
Advanced Materials MXene Nanocomposites: Multifunctional Nanocomposites with High Strength and Capacitance Using 2D MXene and 1D Nanocellulose (Adv. Mater. 41/2019)

In article number https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.2019029771902977, Liangqi Ouyang, Mahiar M. Hamedi, and co‐workers report the fabrication of freestanding and multifunctional nanocomposite films of 2D Ti3C2T x MXene and 1D cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) with a high mechanical strength of 341 MPa and high conductivity of 295 S cm−1. These films, despite their high mechanical robustness, deliver a high capacitance of 298 F g−1, which places them among the best multifunctional supercapacitor electrode materials reported to date. The stable and patternable hybrid dispersion of 2D Ti3C2T x MXene and 1D CNFs is also used to fabricate micro‐supercapacitor electrodes and printed electronics with a variety of shapes. Image credit: Armin VahidMohammadi.