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Dynamic hydrogen-bonding enables high-performance and mechanically robust organic solar cells processed with non-halogenated solvent

Author

Listed:
  • Haozhe He

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xiaojun Li

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jingyuan Zhang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Zekun Chen

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yufei Gong

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Hongmei Zhuo

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xiangxi Wu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yuechen Li

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Shaanxi Normal University)

  • Shijie Wang

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Zhaozhao Bi

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Bohao Song

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Kangkang Zhou

    (Tianjin University)

  • Tongling Liang

    (University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Wei Ma

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Guanghao Lu

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Long Ye

    (Tianjin University)

  • Lei Meng

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Ben Zhang

    (Soochow University)

  • Yaowen Li

    (Soochow University)

  • Yongfang Li

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Soochow University)

Abstract

Developing active-layer systems with both high performance and mechanical robustness is a crucial step towards achieving future commercialization of flexible and stretchable organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, we design and synthesize a series of acceptors BTA-C6, BTA-E3, BTA-E6, and BTA-E9, featuring the side chains of hexyl, and 3, 6, and 9 carbon-chain with ethyl ester end groups respectively. Benefiting from suitable phase separation and vertical phase distribution, the PM6:BTA-E3-based OSCs processed by o-xylene exhibit lower energy loss and improved charge transport characteristic and achieve a power conversion efficiency of 19.92% (certified 19.57%), which stands as the highest recorded value in binary OSCs processed by green solvents. Moreover, due to the additional hydrogen-bonding provided by ethyl ester side chain, the PM6:BTA-E3-based active-layer systems achieve enhanced stretchability and thermal stability. Our work reveals the significance of dynamic hydrogen-bonding in improving the photovoltaic performance, mechanical robustness, and morphological stability of OSCs.

Suggested Citation

  • Haozhe He & Xiaojun Li & Jingyuan Zhang & Zekun Chen & Yufei Gong & Hongmei Zhuo & Xiangxi Wu & Yuechen Li & Shijie Wang & Zhaozhao Bi & Bohao Song & Kangkang Zhou & Tongling Liang & Wei Ma & Guanghao, 2025. "Dynamic hydrogen-bonding enables high-performance and mechanically robust organic solar cells processed with non-halogenated solvent," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-55375-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55375-8
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