A team of researchers led by Professor Philip C.Y. Chow from the University of Hong Kong has made a significant breakthrough in the field of organic photovoltaics (OPV). Their research, titled “The role of interfacial donor-acceptor percolation in efficient and stable all-polymer solar cells,” has been published in the scientific journal Nature Communications. This discovery opens up new possibilities for more sustainable and viable solar energy solutions for daily applications. OPV, which uses cost-effective, printable, and environmentally friendly polymer semiconductors, has long posed a challenge in achieving devices with high efficiency and long operational stability due to the soft nature of polymers.
The research team focused on a new electron-accepting molecule called Y6, which shows promise when polymerised in enabling efficient and stable OPV devices. By studying the ultrafast charge dynamics using femtosecond laser pulses, the researchers found that controlling the degree of aggregation of the polymerised Y6 acceptors plays a crucial role in promoting electricity generation. Y6-PAs showed higher miscibility with the donor polymer compared to small molecular acceptors of the same type, allowing for the formation of a nanoscale percolation network at the heterojunction interface, preventing aggregation and improving charge generation efficiency and stability of the polymer blend morphology under solar illumination.
Prof Philip C.Y. Chow expressed excitement over the possibilities this discovery brings, stating that it paves the way for more sustainable and viable solar energy solutions that can be integrated into various everyday applications such as buildings, vehicles, electronic products, and clothing. The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from North Carolina State University in the USA, the Institute of Chemistry at the Chinese Academy of Science, and the City University of Hong Kong. This interdisciplinary collaboration brought together expertise in ultrafast optical spectroscopy, quantum chemical modelling, synchrotron X-ray scattering, and solar cell device manufacturing, with Dr. Zhen Wang, a Post-doctoral Fellow at HKU, serving as the first author of the study.
Overall, the research team’s work sheds light on how to overcome the challenges faced in developing efficient and stable OPV devices. Their findings regarding the role of interfacial donor-acceptor percolation and the advantages of using polymerised Y6 acceptors provide a promising pathway towards more sustainable and viable solar energy solutions. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the field of solar energy generation and integration, offering new opportunities for harnessing renewable energy sources in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. The collaborative efforts of multiple research groups from different institutions have contributed to the success of this study, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation.
In conclusion, the research led by Prof Philip C.Y. Chow and his team at the University of Hong Kong represents a significant step forward in the development of efficient and stable polymer-based solar PV panels. By understanding the importance of controlling the aggregation of polymerised Y6 acceptors and promoting nanoscale percolation at the heterojunction interface, the researchers have demonstrated the potential for enhancing charge generation efficiency and improving device stability over time. This breakthrough not only has implications for the field of organic photovoltaics but also underscores the importance of collaborative research efforts in driving innovation and advancing sustainable energy solutions for a more environmentally friendly future.
