Evolution of morphology and open-circuit voltage in alloy-energy transfer coexisting ternary organic solar cells

Abstract

The oligomer-type small molecule PDT2FBT-ID is applied in a polymer/small molecule/fullerene ternary system. The PTB7-Th/PDT2FBT-ID/PC₇₁BM ternary active layer shows complementary absorption spectra, enhanced face-on orientation and energy transfer properties. Compared to the binary system, the FF of the ternary system is improved from 66.72% to 76.14% and the J_sc is improved from 17.90 mA cm⁻² to 18.92 mA cm⁻². The maximum PCE of 11.1% is obtained in the ternary system with a common inverted device structure. Additionally, an alloy-like domain structure and energy transfer between the two donor materials are found to coexist in the ternary system. Based on the combined model, the variation in morphology and V_oc is discussed in detail and compared with previous publications. An in-depth interpretation for the selection of a third compound in high performance ternary organic solar cells is provided. Finally, this facile design strategy could also be widely used in other systems.