High‐Performance Organic Photovoltaics Incorporating Bulk Heterojunction and p–i–n Active Layer Structures

Abstract

In the past five years, significant advancements in the development of novel conjugated polymer donors (D) and non‐fullerene acceptors (A), such as small molecules, have substantially boosted the power conversion efficiency of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic photovoltaics (OPVs) devices to over 19%. Recently, in the pursuit of broader impact and heightened efficiency for OPVs, an alternative processing approach has emerged; this approach involves a sequential deposition (SD) technique or a layer‐by‐layer method, creating active layers with p–i–n structures (p and n stand for D and A region, respectively; i stands for BHJ region). Notably, this SD method is particularly effective in semitransparent organic photovoltaics (ST‐OPVs), despite the material requirements it entails. SD‐processing methods enable the creation of vertical multiple junctions and controllable D/A interfaces, facilitating exciton dissociation and charge transport through a well‐designed pseudo p–i–n structure. Furthermore, ST‐OPVs can be integrated into building‐incorporated photovoltaic modules, offering potential applications in greenhouses and agricultural modernization. This integration allows for the comprehensive utilization of solar spectrum energy. In this review, current literature is consolidated on new materials, such as conjugated polymers and non‐fullerene small molecules as electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing materials, aimed at high‐efficiency OPVs and ST‐OPVs with BHJ‐ and p–i–n structured active layers, and perspectives are offered for future developments.

Advancements in Photovoltaic Cell Materials: Silicon, Organic, and Perovskite Solar Cells

“…In the realm of organic photovoltaic materials, recent research has underscored the development of innovative materials and processing techniques. Yu-Wei Su et al [ 141 ] discuss advancements such as sequential deposition and layer-by-layer methods that enhance power conversion efficiency and expand potential applications, including in agriculture and greenhouses. The integration of organic photovoltaic systems into buildings, as explored by Jānis Kramens et al [ 142 ], suggests that these systems may offer more sustainable solutions for single-family buildings, particularly in reducing particulate matter formation and global warming impacts.…”

Dual-Band Photomultiplication-Type Organic Photodetectors with Ultrahigh Signal-to-Noise Ratios

“…P3HT, as one of the early prominent materials in the field of organic optoelectronic devices, possesses simple chemical structure for large-scale and cost-effective preparation. , In this work, a series of dual-band PM-type OPDs were designed as i–n structure, as well as fabricated with PNDIT-F3N as the interfacial layer through optimizing the content of the component in the active layers (P3HT:P-TPD:PC 71 BM) and the thickness of Y6 layer. The schematic structure diagrams of dual-band PM-type OPDs and chemical structures of used materials are depicted in Figure a-b.…”

Organic solar cells with D18 or derivatives offer efficiency over 19%

“…By using the one-step method, the ternary blends combining D18 with newly synthesized acceptors like BTP-Cy-4F [44] , QX-α [45] , BTP-TCl [46] , CH8F [47] and AQx-18 [48] (or using donors like PJ-1 [49] , D18-Cl [50] ) demonstrated potentials for over 19% efficiency. Peng et al developed novel non-fullerene acceptor BTP-Cy-4F, featuring outer branched chains and inner cyclohexane side chains [44] .…”