Iodine-Stabilized Organic Nanoparticle Dispersions for the Fabrication of 10% Efficient Non-Fullerene Solar Cells

High-performance organic solar cells are deposited from eco-friendly semiconductor dispersions by applying reversible electrostatic stabilization while omitting the need for stabilizing surfactants. The addition of iodine fosters the oxidation (p-doping) of the light-harvesting polymer, effectively promoting the electrostatic repulsion of the nanoparticles and hence the colloidal stability of the respective dispersions. The oxidation of polymers with iodine is reversible: after thin-film deposition and after thermal evaporation of the iodine, the corresponding polymer:non-fullerene solar cells yield power conversion efficiencies of up to 10.6%.

Automated summary

High-performance organic solar cells are produced from eco-friendly semiconductor dispersions using reversible electrostatic stabilization, eliminating the need for surfactants. Iodine is added to promote polymer oxidation and enhance the colloidal stability of the dispersions. The resulting polymer:non-fullerene solar cells exhibit power conversion efficiencies of up to 10.6% after thin-film deposition and thermal evaporation of the iodine.