Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Haihong Niu, Cunlong Fang, Xiantao Wei, Huan Wang, Lei Wan, Yuan Li, Xiaoli Mao, Jinzhang Xu, Ru Zhou
Summary: This work utilized magnetron sputtering to deposit ZnO ETL for PSCs with improved device performance and efficiency, achieving a PCE of 13.04%. A bilayer ZnO/SnO2 ETL was designed to enhance electron extraction efficiency, resulting in an increased PCE of 15.82% with reduced hysteresis.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Desui Chen, Luying Ma, Yunhua Chen, Xiaoqi Zhou, Shiyu Xing, Yunzhou Deng, Yanlei Hao, Chaodan Pu, Xueqian Kong, Yizheng Jin
Summary: The study identifies a previously overlooked efficiency-loss channel, namely interfacial exciton quenching induced by surface-bound ethanol, in ZnO-based electron-transporting layers (ETLs). By using a surface treatment procedure to replace the redox-active ethanol with electrochemically inert alkali carboxylates, the electrochemical stability of the ZnO ETLs is improved, resulting in higher efficiency and longer operational lifetime of quantum-dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs). This work provides crucial guidelines for designing ZnO-based ETLs in optoelectronic devices.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ayon Das Mahapatra, Jin-Wook Lee
Summary: Charge transporting layers (CTLs) are crucial for the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Metal oxide CTLs have been widely used due to their transparency, stability, and cost-effectiveness. However, there are still limitations in metal oxide CTLs, which can be resolved through nanostructure tuning, doping, and surface/interface functionalization approaches. Future perspectives for the further development of metal oxide CTLs for PSCs are discussed.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yepin Zhao, Pei Cheng, Hangbo Yang, Minhuan Wang, Dong Meng, Yuan Zhu, Ran Zheng, Tengfei Li, Anni Zhang, Shaun Tan, Tianyi Huang, Jiming Bian, Xiaowei Zhan, Paul S. Weiss, Yang Yang
Summary: The commercialization of semitransparent organic photovoltaics (OPVs) is hindered by the conflict between average visible transmittance and power conversion efficiency for greenhouse applications. By incorporating a dual-function p-type compatible interlayer, both the light transmittance and power conversion efficiency of semitransparent devices were improved.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rahim Munir, Edward Cieplechowicz, Renaud Miclette Lamarche, Roman Chernikov, Simon Trudel, Gregory C. Welch
Summary: Efficient organic photovoltaics (OPV) utilizing SnO2 | perylene diimide (PDI) bilayer as an electron transport layer (ETL) have been successfully fabricated and tested, showing improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to devices with SnO2-only ETLs. The PCE of OPV devices can be increased from 1.5% to 9.2% by treating SnO2 nanoparticles with UV-ozone and applying a layer of N-annulated PDI with a functional N-H bond (PDIN-H) on top. Indoor applications further enhance the PCE to 12.3% under low light conditions, demonstrating the potential utility for OPV scale-up.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Solbi Shin, Shafidah Shafian, Ka Yeon Ryu, Young-Kyo Jeon, Won-Suk Kim, Kyungkon Kim
Summary: In this study, TiO2 nanoparticles were functionalized with different catechol derivatives and applied as electron transport layers. The results showed that the functionalized layers with different electrophilicities could significantly enhance the performance of organic photovoltaic devices by tuning the energy levels.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fumiya Hamada, Akinori Saeki
Summary: The study found that the PBDB-T: ITIC blend has faster electron and hole mobility compared to PBDB-T: PCBM, while the mobility in PBDB-T: Y6 is moderate. Additionally, the relaxation of electrons in PBDB-T: Y6 is slower compared to holes, which aligns with the preferred normal device structure.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuda Li, Qi Li, Xunchang Wang, Qingyao Fu, Ci Hu, Xianliang Qiu, Tianjin Li, Feng Wang
Summary: The study reveals the detrimental effect of secondary doping on the application efficiency of solar cells, but proposes a simple and powerful dialysis treatment to solve discontinuities and enhance device performance.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Gurmeet Singh Lotey, Ankush Kumar Tangra, Mohammed Benali Kanoun, Souraya Goumri-Said, Sanjeev Kumar, Mohinder Pal Garg, Alexandr Tovstolytkin, Nian X. Sun
Summary: Perovskite solar cells using inorganic calcium ferrite as a hole electron layer exhibit superior stability and efficiency compared to organic hole electron layers. Time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy shows improved charge extraction and reduced recombination at the interfaces. Theoretical analysis validates the experimental results and uncovers the mechanism behind the observed high-power conversion efficiency.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Cornelio Delesma, Carlos Amador-Bedolla, Miguel Robles, Jesus Muniz
Summary: A systematic theoretical study was conducted to investigate the electron transport behavior on organic solar cell materials. The study revealed that these materials exhibit appropriate performance under sunlight irradiation, while behaving as a diode in dark conditions.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY A-CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Cheng Luo, Ping Jiang, Liusen Hu, Moran Bian, Lei Wan, Haihong Niu, Xiaoli Mao, Ru Zhou, Jun Xu
Summary: In this study, CdS ultra-thin films were used as ETLs in perovskite solar cells to improve efficiency, with the addition of a c-TiO2 blocking layer enhancing electron extraction and photovoltaic performance. Additionally, the presence of the c-TiO2 underlayer led to improved morphology, energy level alignments, and electron extraction, resulting in significantly reduced shunt current leakage and charge recombination at the ETL/perovskite interface, ultimately achieving a promising power conversion efficiency of 15.11% for the CH3NH3PbI3 PSC based on the bilayer c-TiO2/CdS ETL.
IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mriganka Singh, Rei-Ting Yang, Da-Wei Weng, Hanlin Hu, Anupriya Singh, Anisha Mohapatra, Yu-Ting Chen, Yu-Jung Lu, Tzung-Fang Guo, Gang Li, Hong-Cheu Lin, Chih Wei Chu
Summary: A new low-temperature solution-processed intercalation method successfully introduced metal oxides with bipolar transporting capability into perovskite solar cells, enhancing electron extraction without sacrificing hole extraction capability and further improving the efficiency of PSCs.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chieh-Ting Lin, Cheng-Tien Hsieh, Thomas J. Macdonald, Jia-Fu Chang, Po-Chen Lin, Hyojung Cha, Ludmilla Steier, Andrew Wadsworth, Iain McCulloch, Chu-Chen Chueh, James R. Durrant
Summary: This study demonstrates that combining a nanoparticle titanium dioxide electron transporting layer (ETL) with an all-polymer bulk heterojunction photoactive layer can improve the water resistivity of organic photovoltaics (OPVs). The all-polymer blend has better water-immersion performance compared to small molecule counterparts, and tailoring the structure of the TiO2 ETL effectively strengthens the adhesion at the ETL/BHJ interface. The results show that the np-TiO2/all-polymer blend exhibits superior stability under water immersion without changes in morphology, charge carrier transfer, or efficiency.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cinthya Anrango-Camacho, Karla Pavon-Ipiales, Bernardo A. Frontana-Uribe, Alex Palma-Cando
Summary: This review examines the recent advancements in metal oxides, metal sulfides, nanocarbon materials, conducting polymers, and small organic molecules as hole transporting layers (HTLs) in organic solar cells (OSCs) over the past five years. The preparation and deposition methods of HTLs have been optimized, and strategies such as doping, composite/hybrid formation, and modifications have been utilized to tune the optical/electrical properties of these materials for efficient and stable OSCs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chengliang He, Zhaozhao Bi, Zeng Chen, Jing Guo, Xinxin Xia, Xinhui Lu, Jie Min, Haiming Zhu, Wei Ma, Lijian Zuo, Hongzheng Chen
Summary: Balancing charge generation and recombination is a major challenge in breaking the limitations of organic photovoltaics. Researchers have developed an asymmetric non-fullerene acceptor called AC9, demonstrating a high-performance OPV with a champion efficiency of 18.43%. Comprehensive analysis shows that the improved device performance of AC9-based OPVs is due to a better compromise between charge generation and non-radiative charge recombination compared to symmetric acceptors.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Seonhui Choi, Bumsoo Park, Seongjun Jo, Jong Hwi Seo, Woohwa Lee, Dong-Gyun Kim, Ki Bong Lee, Yong Seok Kim, Sungmin Park
Summary: Vitrimers are reprocessable materials with a cross-linked polymer structure that can be extruded and welded. They have been used in 4D printing by adjusting their rheological properties and utilizing their shape memory performance. By changing the chemical formulation, the properties of vitrimers can be customized, allowing for reprocessing and reshaping through bond exchange reactions.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jin-Hyeong Lee, Jaehee Bae, Jae Hyuk Hwang, Moon-Young Choi, Yong Seok Kim, Sungmin Park, Jun-Hee Na, Dong-Gyun Kim, Suk-kyun Ahn
Summary: This work presents a new class of liquid crystal elastomers that are cross-linked with poly(ether-thiourea) and possess hydrogen bonding capability and dynamic covalent bond exchange at elevated temperatures. These unique properties allow for welding, melt and solution reprocessing, reprogrammable actuation, and self-healing. The LCEs can be used to fabricate electrically powered artificial muscles and biomimetic artificial hands, which demonstrate excellent performance and various hand gestures.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Sang Ah Park, Do Hui Kim, Yelim Choi, Dae Hwan Lee, Taiho Park, Shinuk Cho, Minjun Kim
Summary: Molecular self-aggregation and crystallization behavior of a newly synthesized asymmetrically incorporated fluorine atom polymer (asy-PNDI1FTVT) were found to differ from two symmetric acceptor polymers. The asy-PNDI1FTVT exhibited lower crystallinity compared to the symmetric polymers. In performance tests of inverted polymer solar cells, PTB7-Th:asy-PNDI1FTVT showed a well-mixed morphology and enhanced charge dissociation, leading to an increase in short-circuit current and power conversion efficiency.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jae Hyuk Hwang, Sang Hwa Kim, Woongbi Cho, Woohwa Lee, Sungmin Park, Yong Seok Kim, Jong-Chan Lee, Kyung Jin Lee, Jeong Jae Wie, Dong-Gyun Kim
Summary: By utilizing self-crosslinkable 1,3,5-trivinylbenzene (TVB) for the inverse vulcanization of elemental sulfur, a highly IR-transparent sulfur-rich copolymer with remarkable thermomechanical properties is developed, overcoming the trade-off between IR optical and thermomechanical properties. This study is expected to provide important insights into the structure-property relationships of sulfur-rich copolymers and open up opportunities for practical applications.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Do Hui Kim, Huijeong Choi, Peddaboodi Gopikrishna, Dongchan Lee, BongSoo Kim, Shinuk Cho
Summary: Breaking the symmetry of nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) can improve the processability and performance of organic solar cells (OSCs), solving the dependence on processing solvents and being significant for future mass production.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sang Ah Park, Do Hui Kim, Dasol Chung, Jeongsu Kim, Taiho Park, Shinuk Cho, Minjun Kim
Summary: Tailoring the blend morphology of bulk heterojunctions (BHJs) has been successful in improving the thermal stability of organic solar cells (OSCs). In this study, thermally stable OSCs were demonstrated in a ternary blended system comprising low-crystalline semiconducting polymers (asy-PNDI1FTVT and PTB7-Th) and a non-fullerene acceptor (Y6). The optimized blend system showed a well-mixed morphology at the BHJ, leading to enhanced charge dissociation and improved fill factor and power conversion efficiency. The ternary blend of PTB7-Th:Y6:asy-PNDI1FTVT suppressed phase separation, resulting in negligible burn-in loss and performance degradation under thermal stress. The experiments showed that the devices retained over 90% of their initial efficiencies after 100 hours at 65 degrees C, indicating significant potential for the development of thermally stable OSCs with reasonable efficiency.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Daehee Han, Geon-U Kim, Dongchan Lee, Chulhee Lim, Seungjin Lee, Dahyun Jeong, Shinuk Cho, Changyeon Lee, Bumjoon J. J. Kim
Summary: A new type of noncovalently fused polymer solar cell material has been developed, which enables high-efficiency fabrication. By controlling the molecular orientation of the material, high charge transport efficiency and low losses are achieved, leading to improved performance of the solar cell.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ki Jung Kim, Jin Hui Jo, Seong Jin An, Somi Yu, Yong Seok Kim, Sungmin Park, Won Seok Chi
Summary: A simple metal-ion infiltration method was used to modify the properties of 6FDD polyimide membranes. Metal ions formed coordination bonds with the polyimide, increasing d-spacing and reducing polymer chain mobility. The coordination between metal ions and the carboxylate groups enhanced the mechanical properties and gas permeability of the membranes.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Dinh Khoi Dang, Van-Nghia Nguyen, Zeeshan Tahir, Hyunsun Jeong, Sungdo Kim, Hong Nhan Tran, Shinuk Cho, Yun Chang Park, Jong-Seong Bae, Chinh Tam Le, Juyoung Yoon, Yong Soo Kim
Summary: A cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach is proposed for producing N- and S-codoped multicolor-emission carbon dots at a mild reaction temperature and relatively short time. The obtained N- and S-codoped MCDs exhibit considerable fluorescence intensities, and their emission color can be adjusted from blue to yellow. Due to their favorable optical properties, good water solubility and biocompatibility, and low cytotoxicity, these N- and S-codoped MCDs are successfully applied as fluorescent probes for bioimaging.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad Sheeraz, Min-Hyoung Jung, Yoon Ki Kim, Nyun-Jong Lee, Seyeop Jeong, Jin San Choi, Yong Jin Jo, Shinuk Cho, Ill Won Kim, Young-Min Kim, Sanghoon Kim, Chang Won Ahn, Sang Mo Yang, Hu Young Jeong, Tae Heon Kim
Summary: In this study, highly crystalline SrRuO3 freestanding membranes were successfully fabricated using new infinite-layer perovskite SrCuO2 sacrificial layers. The SrRuO3/SrCuO2 bilayer thin films were epitaxially grown on SrTiO3 (001) substrates, and the SrRuO3 layer was chemically exfoliated by etching the SrCuO2 template layer. The exfoliated SrRuO3 membranes were mechanically transferred to nonoxide substrates for subsequent BaTiO(3) film growth. Finally, freestanding heteroepitaxial junctions of ferroelectric BaTiO3 and metallic SrRuO3 were realized, exhibiting enhanced piezoelectric responses in mixed ferroelectric domain states.
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Se Hyeon Ju, Eun Jin Jeong, Hui Il Jeon, Yong Seok Kim, Youngjae Yoo, Sungmin Park
Summary: This study investigates the miscibility, rheological properties, and physical/optical properties of PC/PMMA-co-PPhMA blends. It was found that the blends exhibited a single glass transition behavior and differences in blend homogeneity were observed. PMMA-co-PPhMA with 14 mol% PhMA showed the best miscibility and phase homogeneity. Increasing the weight percentage of PMMA-co-PPhMA improved the scratch resistance but reduced the optical transparency. The PC/PMPA-2 blend demonstrated optimal rheological, mechanical, and optical properties. This study provides insights into PC-based blend materials for various industrial applications.
Correction
Chemistry, Physical
Jihwan Jo, Seonju Jeong, Dongchan Lee, Seungjin Lee, Bumjoon J. Kim, Shinuk Cho, Jung-Yong Lee
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jihwan Jo, Seonju Jeong, Dongchan Lee, Seungjin Lee, Bumjoon J. Kim, Shinuk Cho, Jung-Yong Lee
Summary: The random mixing of donor and acceptor materials in organic solar cells is considered a breakthrough in the development of these cells. However, the vertically separated donor and acceptor structures of the cells allow for individual optimization of each material, improving charge extraction and reducing charge recombination. Additionally, the phase separation in organic solar cells enhances their stability.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jin-Woo Lee, Cheng Sun, Tan Ngoc-Lan Phan, Dong Chan Lee, Zhengping Tan, Hyesu Jeon, Shinuk Cho, Soon-Ki Kwon, Yun-Hi Kim, Bumjoon J. Kim
Summary: By developing a new trimer acceptor (TYT), this study achieves an organic solar cell (OSC) with high-performance (PCE > 18%) and stability (t(80%) lifetime > 8000 h). The trimerization approach results in the acceptor TYT with an upshifted energy level, leading to an efficient OSC with a high open-circuit voltage (0.964 V). Additionally, TYT has a higher glass-transition temperature (Tg) compared to monomer and dimer acceptors, effectively suppressing molecular diffusion and improving stability.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Geon-U Kim, Ji-Hyun Park, Seungjin Lee, Dongchan Lee, Jin-Woo Lee, Dahyun Jeong, Tan Ngoc-Lan Phan, Felix Sunjoo Kim, Shinuk Cho, Soon-Ki Kwon, Yun-Hi Kim, Bumjoon J. Kim
Summary: This study develops a new series of polymer donors containing carbazole-based units for highly efficient and thermally stable polymer solar cells. Through molecular design rules, the researchers achieved high power conversion efficiencies and realized the highest record among previously reported polymer solar cells featuring carbazole-based polymer donors.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)