Interface Engineering for Highly Efficient Organic Solar Cells

• Published in: Advanced materials (Weinheim) 2024-04, Vol.36 (16), p.e2212236-n/a
• Main Authors: Tang, Haoran, Bai, Yuanqing, Zhao, Haiyang, Qin, Xudong, Hu, Zhicheng, Zhou, Cheng, Huang, Fei, Cao, Yong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemical reactions; Design optimization; Energy conversion efficiency; Engineering; functions and materials development; interface engineering; Interface stability; Interfacial properties; organic solar cells; Photovoltaic cells; Solar cells; Stability analysis
• ISSN: 0935-9648; 1521-4095
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.202212236

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have made dramatic advancements during the past decades owing to the innovative material design and device structure optimization, with power conversion efficiencies surpassing 19% and 20% for single‐junction and tandem devices, respectively. Interface engineering, by modifying interface properties between different layers for OSCs, has become a vital part to promote the device efficiency. It is essential to elucidate the intrinsic working mechanism of interface layers, as well as the related physical and chemical processes that manipulate device performance and long‐term stability. In this article, the advances in interface engineering aimed to pursue high‐performance OSCs are reviewed. The specific functions and corresponding design principles of interface layers are summarized first. Then, the anode interface layer, cathode interface layer in single‐junction OSCs, and interconnecting layer of tandem devices are discussed in separate categories, and the interface engineering‐related improvements on device efficiency and stability are analyzed. Finally, the challenges and prospects associated with application of interface engineering are discussed with the emphasis on large‐area, high‐performance, and low‐cost device manufacturing. Organic solar cells (OSCs) have made dramatic improvements and interface engineering plays a crucial role. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the advancements in interface engineering, including the design of interfaces, the functionalities they offer, and their impact on device performance. Future challenges and potential research directions are outlined associated with interface engineering for large‐area, high‐performance, and cost‐effective OSCs.