Multi-Functional Solid Additive Induced Favorable Vertical Phase Separation and Ordered Molecular Packing for Highly Efficient Layer-by-Layer Organic Solar Cells

Layer-by-layer (LBL) deposition strategy enabling favorable vertical phase distributions has been regarded as promising candidates for constructing high-efficient organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. However, solid additives with the merits of good stability and reproducibility have been rarely used to fine-tune the morphology of the LBL films for improved efficiency and stability. Herein, hierarchical morphology control in LBL OPV is achieved via a dual functional solid additive. Series of LBL devices are fabricated by introducing the solid additive individually or simultaneously to the donor or acceptor layer to clarify the functions of additives. Additive in the donor layer can facilitate the formation of preferable vertical component distribution, and that in the acceptor layer will enhance the molecular crystallinity for better charge transport properties. The optimized morphology ultimately contributed to high PCEs of 16.4% and 17.4% in the binary and quaternary LBL devices. This reported method provides an alternative way to controllably manipulate the morphology of LBL OPV cells.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates hierarchical morphology control in Layer-by-Layer (LBL) organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells using a dual functional solid additive. By individually or simultaneously introducing the solid additive to the donor or acceptor layer, preferable vertical component distribution and enhanced molecular crystallinity were achieved, leading to high power conversion efficiencies of 16.4% and 17.4% in binary and quaternary LBL devices. This approach offers an alternative method to manipulate the morphology of LBL OPV cells for improved efficiency and stability.