Utilizing the unique charge extraction properties of antimony tin oxide nanoparticles for efficient and stable organic photovoltaics. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Chao; Félix, Roberto; Forberich, Karen; Du, Xiaoyan; Heumüller, Thomas; Matt, Gebhard J.; Gu, Ening; Wortmann, Jonas; Zhao, Yicheng; Cao, Yuanyuan; He, Yakun; Ying, Lei; Hauser, Alina; Oszajca, Marek F.; Hartmeier, Benjamin; Rossier, Michael; Lüchinger, Norman A.; Liu, Yi-Sheng; Guo, Jinghua; Nie, Kaiqi; Wilks, Regan G.; Bachmann, Julien; Bär, Marcus; Li, Ning; Brabec, Christoph J.
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 89(2021)Part A
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Organic photovoltaics -- Antimony doped tin oxide -- Interface engineering -- Doping mechanism -- Metal oxide nanoparticles; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2021.106373
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Simultaneously enhancing device performance and longevity, as well as balancing the requirements on cost, scalability, and simplification of processing, is the goal of interface engineering of organic solar cells (OSCs). In our work, we strategically introduce antimony (Sb 3+ ) cations into an efficient and generic n-type SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) host during the scalable flame spray pyrolysis synthesis. Accordingly, a significant switch of conduction property from an n-type character to a p-type character is observed, with a corresponding shift in the work function (WF) from 4.01 ± 0.02 eV for pristine SnO2 NPs to 5.28 ± 0.02 eV for SnO2 NPs with 20 mol. % Sb content (ATO). Both pristine SnO2 and ATO NPs with fine-tuned optoelectronic properties exhibit remarkable charge carrier extraction properties, excellent UV resistance and photo-stability being compatible with various state-of-the-art OSCs systems. The reliable and scalable pristine SnO2 and ATO NPs processed by doctor-blading in air demand no complex post-treatment. Our work offers a simple but unique approach to accelerate the development of advanced interfacial materials, which could circumvent the major existing interfacial problems in solution-processed OSCs. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: Introducing antimony cations to effectively dope the n-type SnO2 nanoparticles. In-depth characterization of the cation doping effect and mechanisms. Validation of the generic applicability of the p-type doped nanoparticles for organic photovoltaic applications. Demonstrating efficient and stable organic solar cells based on state-of-the-art organic photovoltaic materials.