Tin(II) thiocyanate Sn(SCN)2 as an ultrathin anode interlayer in organic photovoltaics

We report the application of a coordination polymer semiconductor, tin(II) thiocyanate [Sn(SCN)(2)], as an ultrathin anode interlayer in organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Sub-10 nm layers of Sn(SCN)(2) with high smoothness and excellent transparency having an optical bandgap of 3.9 eV were deposited from an alcohol-based solution at room temperature without post-deposition annealing. Inserting Sn(SCN)(2) as an anode interlayer in polymer:fullerene OPVs drastically reduces the recombination loss due to the exciton-blocking energy levels of Sn(SCN)(2). At the optimum thickness of 7 nm, an average power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.6% and a maximum of 8.1% were obtained. The simple processability using common solvents gives Sn(SCN)(2) a distinct advantage over the more well-known copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN). The electronic and optical properties of Sn(SCN)(2) make it interesting for applications in large-area electronic devices.

Automated summary

The coordination polymer semiconductor Sn(SCN)(2) is applied as an ultrathin anode interlayer in organic photovoltaics, significantly reducing recombination loss and achieving high power conversion efficiency. Its simple processability and good electronic and optical properties make Sn(SCN)(2) suitable for large-area electronic devices.