Employing PCBTDPP as an Efficient Donor Polymer for High Performance Ternary Polymer Solar Cells

Abstract

A compatible low-bandgap donor polymer (poly[N-90-heptadecanyl-2,7carbazole-alt-3,6-bis(thiophen-5-yl)-2,5-dioctyl-2,5-dihydropyrrolo[3,4]pyrrole-1,4-dione], PCBTDPP) was judicially introduced into the archetypal poly(3-hexylthiophene):[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PC61BM) photoactive system to fabricate highly efficient ternary based bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells (PSCs). The PCBTDPP ternary-based PSC with optimal loading (0.2 wt.%) displayed outstanding performance with a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.28% as compared to the PCE (4.67%) for P3HT:PC61BM-based PSC (reference). The improved PCE for PCBTDPP ternary-based PSC can be mainly attributed to the incorporation of PCBTDPP into P3HT:PC61BM that beneficially improved the optical, morphological, electronic, and photovoltaic (PV) performance. This work instills a rational strategy for identifying components (donor/acceptor (D/A) molecules) with complementary beneficial properties toward fabricating efficient ternary PSCs.

Electrochemical and Spectroelectrochemical Studies on the Reactivity of Perimidine–Carbazole–Thiophene Monomers towards the Formation of Multidimensional Macromolecules versus Stable π-Dimeric States

“…Morphology of π-conjugated one-dimensional polymer is also determined by self-assembly processes and so molecular packing and orientation during crystallization initiated by: π-π interactions between aromatic rings e.g., in poly(3hexylthiophene) (P3HT) [19], oligo(pyrrole)s [20,21], directional and strong H-bonding interactions [22] and coordination bonds [23]. Different types of covalent bonding with accompanying long-range molecular interactions are present in low-band polymers such as multidimensional donor-acceptor systems [24,25] and conjugated ladder polymers (cLP) [26][27][28], where covalent bonds are formed through polymerization while noncovalent bonds can be generated simultaneously because of the dynamic and spontaneous nature of the noncovalent bonds [29]. Another strategy intended to increase planarity is to hamper rotations between the neighboring units by connecting them with covalent bonds or via noncovalent interactions.…”

Tackling Performance Challenges in Organic Photovoltaics: An Overview about Compatibilizers

“…One very recent example concerning a P3HT:PCBM OPV device looks interesting for opening discussion over some "confusing" terminology. In the paper from Xu and coworkers [143], they describe an OPV based on the classic architecture P3HT:PCBM, where a compatible low-bandgap polymer is added, PCBTDPP, in order to act as a "bridge" between the main donor and acceptor units, Block copolymers incorporating both P3HT and poly(styrene) portions are well-known polymeric CBs, widely reported to improve the morphology of P3HT blends in combination with PCBM [140] or other fulleropyrrolidine derivatives [141]. An "exotic" approach has been recently referred to by Mohammadi-Arbati and colleagues, who have reported the combined addition of a rod-coil block copolymer comprising P3HT and polystyrene (P3HT-b-PS), and reduced graphene oxide nanosheets grafted with regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (rGO-g-P3HT) as compatibilizers in a typical P3HT:PCBM blend [142].…”

“…One very recent example concerning a P3HT:PCBM OPV device looks interesting for opening discussion over some "confusing" terminology. In the paper from Xu and coworkers [143], they describe an OPV based on the classic architecture P3HT:PCBM, where a compatible low-bandgap polymer is added, PCBTDPP, in order to act as a "bridge" between the main donor and acceptor units, for an increased flow of charge carriers. Interestingly, using comparable preparation conditions for a device, including the compatibilizer, and a second one acting as benchmark with no addition of PCBTDPP, the PCE is measured as high as 5.28% versus 4.67% for the benchmark device.…”

Synthesis of the diketopyrrolopyrrole/terpyridine substituted carbazole derivative based polythiophenes for photovoltaic cells

“…Further, the higher PC 71 BM contents in the photoenergy conversion layer promoted nanoscale phase-separation with PC 71 BM-based sizable domains, which led to effective charge separation and transfer. 32 Efficient dissociation of excitons and higher degrees of charge collection to the electrode generally lead to PVCs displaying enhanced values of V OC , J SC , and h. [29][30][31] An excessive PC 71 BM content does not, however, favor charge transfer or enhance the PV properties of a PVC. The PV performances of the PVCs I-3, II-3, and III-3, based on PT/PC 71 BM at a weight ratio of 1 : 3, were poorer than those of the PVCs I-2, II-2, and III-2, featuring PT/PC 71 BM at a weight ratio of 1 : 2.…”

“…[26][27][28] Such electron-and hole-transporting segments are responsible for a broader range of light absorption and the higher electron and hole mobilities of the resulting photoenergy conversion layers and, therefore, the enhanced PV performance of the PVCs. [29][30][31] Triphenylamine (TPA) and carbazole derivatives are among the most popular electron donor groups because of their good electron-donating and holetransporting performance and their good solubility in the organic solvents. 32,33 Several electron-decient moieties, including perylenediimide, benzothiadiazole, and diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) units, have been incorporated into the backbones of polymers to be the electron-withdrawing and -transporting units.…”