Power efficiency enhancement of solution-processed small-molecule solar cells based on squaraine via thermal annealing and solvent additive methods

Zhiqiang Guan, Junsheng Yu, Jiang Huang, Lei Zhang

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

29 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A small-molecule donor material of 2,4-bis[4-(N,N-diisobutylamino)-2,6- dihydroxyphenyl] squaraine (SQ) was used to fabricate the solution-processed solar cells with fullerene. The thermal annealing process and the solvent additive method were systematically investigated to illuminate their effects on the performance of solar cells. The optimized device exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.31% under 1 sun, AM 1.5G simulated solar irradiation with thermal annealing at 50°C and a small amount of 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO) additive with a volume ratio of 0.4%. A reduced surface roughness and improved charge carrier mobility were ascribed to the enhancement of PCE in DIO incorporated devices. The simulation using a theoretical model of charge transfer state based on Onsager-Braun theory was carried out, and the results revealed that thermal annealing and solvent additive could facilitate charge transfer dissociation, increase charge carrier generation, and thereby improve the performance of solar cells based on SQ: fullerene bulk heterojunction. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)262-269
JournalSolar Energy Materials and Solar Cells
Volume109
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publication details (e.g. title, author(s), publication statuses and dates) are captured on an “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” basis at the time of record harvesting from the data source. Suggestions for further amendments or supplementary information can be sent to [email protected].

Research Keywords

  • Onsager-Braun theory
  • Organic solar cells
  • Small-molecule donor
  • Solution processing
  • Solvent additive
  • Thermal annealing

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