An n‐Doped Organic Cross‐Linked Electron Transport Layer with High Electrical Conductivity for High‐Efficiency Tandem Organic Photovoltaics

Abstract

AbstractWith merits of good solution processability, intrinsic flexibility, etc, organic/organic interconnecting layers (ICLs) are highly desirable for tandem organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Herein, an n‐doped cross‐linked organic electron transport layer (ETL), named c‐NDI‐Br:PEI is developed, via a simple in situ quaternization reaction between bromopentyl‐substituted naphthalene diimide derivative (NDI‐Br) and polyethylenimine (PEI). Due to strong self‐doping, c‐NDI‐Br:PEI films exhibit a high electrical conductivity (0.06 S cm−1), which is important for efficient hole and electron reombination in ICL of tandem OPVs. In addition, the cross‐linked ETLs show strong work function modulation ability, and good solvent‐resistance. The above features enable c‐NDI‐Br:PEI to function as an efficient ETL not only for single‐junction OPVs, but also for tandem devices without any metal layer in ICL. Under solar radiation, the single‐junction device with c‐NDI‐Br:PEI as ETL achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.18%, surpassing the ZnO‐based device (17.09%). The homo‐ and hetero‐tandem devices with m‐PEDOT:PSS:c‐NDI‐Br:PEI as ICL exhibit remarkable PCEs of 19.06% and 20.06%, respectively. Under 808 nm laser radiation with a photon flux of 57 mW cm−2, the homo‐tandem device presents a superior PCE of 38.5%. This study provides a new ETL for constructing all‐solution‐processed organic/organic ICL, which can be integrated in flexible and wearable devices.