18.77 % Efficiency Organic Solar Cells Promoted by Aqueous Solution Processed Cobalt(II) Acetate Hole Transporting Layer

A robust hole transporting layer (HTL), using the cost-effective Cobalt(II) acetate tetrahydrate (Co(OAc)(2).4 H2O) as the precursor, was simply processed from its aqueous solution followed by thermal annealing (TA) and UV-ozone (UVO) treatments. The TA treatment induced the loss of crystal water followed by oxidization of Co(OAc)(2).4 H2O precursor, which increased the work function. However, TA treatment differently realize a high work function and ideal morphology for charge extraction. The resulting problems could be circumvented easily by additional UVO treatment, which also enhanced the conductivity and lowered the resistance for charge transport. The optimal condition was found to be a low temperature TA (150 degrees C) followed by simple UVO, where the crystal water in Co(OAc)(2).4 H2O was removed fully and the HTL surface was anchored by substantial hydroxy groups. Using PM6 as the polymer donor and L8-BO as the electron acceptor, a record high PCE of 18.77 % of the binary blend OSCs was achieved, higher than the common PEDOT:PSS-based solar cell devices (18.02 %).

Automated summary

A robust hole transporting layer (HTL) was successfully processed from Cobalt(II) acetate tetrahydrate precursor by thermal annealing (TA) and UV-ozone (UVO) treatments, achieving high work function and ideal charge extraction morphology. By optimizing the processing conditions, a record PCE of 18.77% was achieved with PM6 as the polymer donor and L8-BO as the electron acceptor, outperforming PEDOT:PSS-based solar cell devices.