Efficient aqueous-processed hybrid solar cells from a polymer with a wide bandgap

Abstract

In this work, MPPV with a wide bandgap is synthesized and combined with CdTe NCs for aqueous-processed polymer–nanocrystal hybrid solar cells (HSCs). A PCE of 5.18% is achieved, which is the highest for solar cells via an aqueous process. The function of MPPV is deeply investigated which shows that MPPV can fill the voids between CdTe NCs to decrease the leakage current. Furthermore, hole transfer from CdTe NCs to MPPV occurs, thus leading to increased carrier lifetime. Finally, MPPV can promote the interfacial carrier injection. We demonstrate that efficient HSCs can be achieved from polymers with a wide bandgap. In this case, key factors limiting traditional HSCs may be eliminated. As a consequence, this work may provide an alternative way to develop HSCs.