An aqueous solution-processed CuOX film as an anode buffer layer for efficient and stable organic solar cells. Issue 14 (17th March 2016) - Yu, Zhikai
Abstract : A facile and green method has been developed for the aqueous solution preparation of CuO X as an anode buffer layer for organic solar cells (OSCs). Abstract : A facile and green method has been developed for the aqueous solution preparation of CuO X as an anode buffer layer for organic solar cells (OSCs). The CuO X buffer layer is prepared simply by spin-coating a copper acetylacetonate precursor based aqueous solution onto an ITO substrate at room temperature in ambient air. Hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) is used to modify the precursor aqueous solution and can greatly increase the work function of the CuO X film to improve the hole collection efficiency and the charge transport efficiency. UV-ozone post-treatment of the CuO X film leads to the fully oxidized state of copper oxide, which significantly improves the performance of OSCs. Through H2 O2 modification and UV-ozone post-treatment on the CuO X anode buffer layer, the highest power conversion efficiency of the OSCs based on PTB7:PC71 BM blends reaches 8.68%, which is 10% higher than that of the standard PEDOT:PSS anode buffer layer based OSCs. In addition, the devices with the CuO X buffer layer show much better air stability than those with PEDOT:PSS. Our results indicate that the aqueous solution processed CuO X with low cost and green solvents is a promising anode buffer layer material for efficient and stable OSCs.