Complex formation of ferrocene derivatives with electron transport layers enables improved performance and photostability in organic solar cells
Sukpoonprom P, Tremlett WD, Qiao Z, Chattakoonpaisarn C, Hong E, Hu B, Forberich K, Han J, Wang J, Ittisanronnachai S, Li L, Vanin F, Pattanasattayavong P, Zhu Z, Bakulin A, Brabec C, Baran D, J. Long N, Gasparini N (2025)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2025
Journal
Article Number: 102107
DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2025.102107
Abstract
Electron transport layers (ETLs), e.g., metal oxides, organic small molecules, or conjugated polymers, play a vital role in both performance and photo-thermal stability in organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, we explored hybrid organic-inorganic electron transport materials by forming complexes between typical electron transport layers and ferrocene (Fc)-based molecules. Experimental and theoretical investigations revealed van der Waals interaction between the ETL and Fc compounds, which allows fine-tuning of the electrode work function to improve charge extraction properties and reduce trap-assisted recombination. As a result, OSCs showed improved fill factor (FF) and power conversion efficiency (PCE) for five donor-acceptor blends and three ETLs, with FF and PCE exceeding 80% and 20.1%, respectively. Finally, we demonstrated improved photostability for the hybrid ETLs with devices that retained 80% of their initial performance for 700 h when degraded under operating conditions (ISOS-L-1I).
Authors with CRIS profile
Karen Forberich
Institute Materials for Electronics and Energy Technology (i-MEET)
Christoph Brabec
Institute Materials for Electronics and Energy Technology (i-MEET)
Involved external institutions
Imperial College London / The Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine
United Kingdom (GB)
Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC)
Thailand (TH)
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) / جامعة الملك عبد الله للعلوم و التقنية
Saudi Arabia (SA)
City University of Hong Kong (CityU)
China (CN)
United Kingdom (GB)
Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC)
Thailand (TH)
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) / جامعة الملك عبد الله للعلوم و التقنية
Saudi Arabia (SA)
City University of Hong Kong (CityU)
China (CN)
How to cite
APA:
Sukpoonprom, P., Tremlett, W.D., Qiao, Z., Chattakoonpaisarn, C., Hong, E., Hu, B.,... Gasparini, N. (2025). Complex formation of ferrocene derivatives with electron transport layers enables improved performance and photostability in organic solar cells. Joule. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2025.102107
MLA:
Sukpoonprom, Patipan, et al. "Complex formation of ferrocene derivatives with electron transport layers enables improved performance and photostability in organic solar cells." Joule (2025).
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