Focus

1. TCB-ISM strategy successfully enhances the efficiency of organic solar cells: By using tetrachlorobenzene (TCB) as an additive, researchers found that the TCB-ISM strategy can improve the active layer morphology, increase crystallinity, and balance charge transport, resulting in higher power conversion efficiency.
2. TCB-ISM strategy has broad applicability in various organic solar cell systems: The five different organic solar cell systems in the study all demonstrated that TCB-processed devices showed improved photovoltaic performance compared to DIO-processed devices. This highlights the potential of TCB-ISM strategy for practical applications in the photovoltaics industry.

    In recent years, organic solar cells (OSCs) have attracted considerable interest due to their potential for low-cost, lightweight, and flexible energy generation. A research team led by renowned scholars Yang Yang from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, and Gang Li from the Department of Electronic and Information Engineering, Research Institute for Smart Energy (RISE), including Jiehao Fu, Chieh-Szu Huang, and others, conducted a groundbreaking study has achieved an unprecedented power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.31%, setting a new record for binary OSCs. This remarkable result was made possible through the innovative TCB-induced intermediate state management (TCB-ISM) processing method. Importantly, the 19.31% PCE value was independently certified by the Enli Tech Optoelectronic Calibration Lab, reaching an efficiency of 18.93%.

     The researchers explored various donor-acceptor (D:A) blends and processing conditions to optimize the molecular stacking and morphology of the OSCs. The novel TCB-ISM technique significantly enhanced the performance and stability of the OSCs compared to traditional processing methods, such as using the solvent additive 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO). The unique non-monotonic intermediate state transition observed in TCB-ISM processing facilitated more ordered molecular stacking and improved charge transport, resulting in the record-breaking PCE.

    A crucial aspect of the successful development and characterization of these high-performance OSCs was the use of advanced analytical equipment from Enli Tech, specifically the Fourier Transform Photocurrent Spectrometer (FTPS, PECT-600) and the Perovskite and Organic Photovoltaics Voc Loss Analysis System (REPS, ELCT-3010). These state-of-the-art devices enabled the researchers to accurately measure the performance and energy loss parameters of the OSCs, ensuring the reliability of their results.

      Moreover, the study demonstrated the versatility of the TCB-ISM strategy by applying it to five additional OSC systems, including an all-small-molecule system (BTR-Cl:Y6) and various polymer:NFA systems (PBDB-T:ITIC, PBDB-T-2Cl:IT-4F, PM1:BTP-eC9, and PM6:BTP-eC9). In all cases, the TCB-ISM processed devices exhibited superior photovoltaic performance compared to their DIO-processed counterparts. In particular, the PM1:BTP-eC9 and PM6:BTP-eC9 systems achieved PCEs of 19.10% and 19.31%, respectively, further emphasizing the potential of TCB-ISM for advancing OSC technology.

    In addition to improved PCE, the TCB-ISM processed devices also demonstrated enhanced stability, with the PM6:BTP-eC9-based OSC maintaining 78% of its initial efficiency after a 1000-hour simulated 1-sun illumination stress test at maximum power point (MPP). This increased stability is attributed to the uniform molecular aggregation and higher crystallinity induced by TCB-ISM, as well as the absence of residual TCB in the blend film.

    In conclusion, this pioneering study has showcased the substantial potential of TCB-ISM processing for achieving record-breaking power conversion efficiencies in organic solar cells. By utilizing advanced analytical equipment from Enli Tech, including the FTPS (PECT-600) and the REPS (ELCT-3010), the researchers were able to accurately characterize and optimize the performance of these innovative OSCs. With continued research and development, the TCB-ISM strategy could pave the way for the next generation of highly efficient, stable, and cost-effective solar energy solutions.