Rationale for highly efficient and outdoor-stable terpolymer solar cells

Random terpolymerization is an effective approach to achieving highly efficient and outdoor-stable terpolymer photovoltaics. However, the working principle behind this remains unclear. Herein, we report spectroscopic, morphological, and computational results and conclude the previous work on terpolymer research to unveil their structure-property relations and elucidate key rules for high-efficiency and outdoor-stable terpolymer photovoltaics. More specifically, introducing a strong electron-deficient or electron-rich third moiety is suggested to enable broadened absorption with minimized non-radiative voltage losses. Besides, the third component should manipulate the D/A miscibility towards a thermodynamically more stable morphology. However, the content of the third component should be small to maintain molecular orientation and exciton diffusion length in conjunction with optimized phase-separation and crystallinity, in turn reducing bimolecular carrier recombination. Obeying these rules, terpolymer solar cells based on the parent donors D18 and PM6 with enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) and excellent outdoor stability are demonstrated. Our findings provide a rationale for explaining and achieving high-performance and outdoor-stable terpolymer photovoltaics, paving the path to commercialization.

Automated summary

Random terpolymerization is an effective method for highly efficient and outdoor-stable terpolymer photovoltaics. Spectroscopic, morphological, and computational studies are conducted to reveal the structure-property relationships and key rules for achieving high performance. It is found that introducing a strong electron-deficient or electron-rich third component can broaden absorption and minimize non-radiative voltage losses. Additionally, the third component should manipulate the miscibility of the donor/acceptor towards a thermodynamically stable morphology. The content of the third component should be optimized to maintain molecular orientation and exciton diffusion length, reducing bimolecular carrier recombination. Terpolymer solar cells based on D18 and PM6 show enhanced power conversion efficiency and excellent outdoor stability. These findings provide a rationale for achieving high-performance and outdoor-stable terpolymer photovoltaics, leading the way to commercialization.