Low-Work-Function PEDOT Formula as a Stable Interlayer and Cathode for Organic Solar Cells

Cathode with low work-function (WF) is a vital unit in optoelectronic devices. Yet, the stable cathode is still a big challenge. Here, PEDOT:PSS-TBA is reported among series of PEDOT:PSS-M, where PEDOT:PSS denotes poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate), M refers to monovalent cation and TBA is tetrabutylammonium specifically, as a stable cathode. The PEDOT:PSS-TBA is synthesized via ion exchange with WF of 4.1-4.2 eV and its conductivity can be improved to 300 S cm(-1) by the additive. Meanwhile, PEDOT:PSS-TBA is stable even under plasma, heat, or isopropanol sonication. Organic solar cells (OSCs) are fabricated with indium tin oxide (ITO)/PEDOT:PSS-TBA and highly conductive PEDOT:PSS-TBA (with additive, hc-PEDOT:PSS) electrodes respectively. The OSCs display superior stability than the reference with ITO/ZnO as the cathode. As a proof of concept, solution-processed OSCs are demonstrated with a three-layered structure (hc-PEDOT:PSS-TBA/active layer/PEDOT:PSS), which proves PEDOT:PSS-TBA as a promising cathode for printable optoelectronic with a simplified structure.

Automated summary

The article introduces a low work-function cathode PEDOT:PSS-TBA with improved conductivity and stability. By using this new cathode in organic solar cells, the stability of the devices can be enhanced.