Device function in organic electronics is critically governed by the transport of charge across interfaces of dissimilar materials. Accurate measurements of energy level positions in organic electronic devices are therefore necessary for assessing the viability of new materials and optimizing device performance. In contrast to established methods that are used in solution or vacuum environments, here we combine Kelvin probe measurements performed in ambient environments to obtain work function values with photoelectron spectroscopy in air to obtain ionization potential, so that a complete energy level diagram for organic semiconductors can be determined. We apply this new approach to study commonly used electron donor and acceptor materials in organic photovoltaics (OPV), including poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), and ZnO, as well as examine new materials. Band alignments across the entire OPV devices are constructed and compared with actual device performance. The ability to determine interfacial electronic properties in the devices enables us to answer the outstanding question: why previous attempts to make OPV devices using 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) (TIPS)-pentacene as the electron donor were not successful.

Novel applications for flexible electronics, e.g., displays and solar cells, require fully flexible, transparent, stable, and low-work-function electrodes that can be manufactured via a low-cost process. Here, we demonstrate that surface chemistry constitutes a route to producing transparent low-work-function plastic electrodes. The work function of the conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-tosylate, or PEDOT-Tos, is decreased by submonolayer surface redox reaction with a strong electron donor, tetrakis-(dimethylamino)ethylene (TDAE), allowing it to reach a work function of 3.8 eV. The interface formed between TDAE and PEDOT is investigated in a joint experimental and theoretical study using photoelectron spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations.

No abstract

A redox reaction between a monolayer of electron–donor molecules, tetrakis(dimethylamino)ethylene, and the indium tin oxide (ITO) surface results in a decrease of the ITO work function down to 3.7eV. The modified ITO surface may be used as electron injecting electrode in polymer light-emitting devices. Photoelectron spectroscopy measurements show that the low-work-function of the modified electrode remains upon exposure to air or gentle annealing; thus, making it a good candidate for inexpensive fabrication of organic/polymeric (opto)electronic devices.