Recent Developments of Polymer Solar Cells with Photovoltaic Performance over 17%

With the emergence of ADA'DA-type (Y-series) non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs), the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of organic photovoltaic devices have been constantly refreshed and gradually reached 20% in recent years (19% for single junction and 20% for tandem device). The acceptors possess specific design concept, which greatly enrich the NFA types and have excellent compatibility with many donor materials. It is gratifying to note that the previously underperforming donor materials combine with these regulated acceptors to shine again. Nowadays, the concept of modular design is widely used in the research of acceptors and donors, injecting new vitality into the field of organic photovoltaics. Furthermore, these acceptors also promote the research of multicomponent devices, tandem devices, bilayer devices, processing solvent engineering, and additive engineering. Herein, the latest progresses of polymer solar cells with efficiency over 17% are briefly reviewed from the aspects of active material design, interface material development, and device technology. At last, the opportunities and challenges of organic photovoltaic commercialization in the future are discussed.

Automated summary

With the emergence of ADA'DA-type non-fullerene acceptors, the power conversion efficiencies of organic photovoltaic devices have reached 20% in recent years. These acceptors bring new vitality to the field by enriching NFA types and having excellent compatibility with donor materials. They also promote the research of various device architectures and processing techniques. This review summarizes the recent progress in polymer solar cells with efficiency over 17% and discusses the future opportunities and challenges of organic photovoltaic commercialization.