Issue 1, 2022

Scattering techniques for mixed donor–acceptor characterization in organic photovoltaics

Abstract

Precise control of the complex morphology of organic photovoltaic bulk heterojunction (BHJ) active layers remains an important yet challenging approach for improving power conversion efficiency. Of particular interest are the interfacial regions between electron donor and acceptor molecules where charge separation and charge recombination occur. Often, these interfaces feature a molecularly mixed donor–acceptor phase. This mixed phase has been extensively studied in polymer:fullerene systems but is poorly understood in state-of-the-art polymer:non-fullerene acceptor blends. Accurate, quantitative characterization of this mixed phase is critical to unraveling its importance for charge separation and recombination processes within the BHJ. Here, we detail X-ray and neutron scattering characterization techniques and analysis methods to quantify the mixed phase within BHJ active layers. We then review the existing literature where these techniques have been successfully used on several different material systems and correlated to device performance. Finally, future challenges for characterizing non-fullerene acceptor systems are addressed, and emerging strategies are discussed.

Graphical abstract: Scattering techniques for mixed donor–acceptor characterization in organic photovoltaics

Article information

Article type
Focus
Submitted
01 aug 2021
Accepted
12 nov 2021
First published
12 nov 2021

Mater. Horiz., 2022,9, 43-60

Author version available

Scattering techniques for mixed donor–acceptor characterization in organic photovoltaics

T. P. Chaney, A. J. Levin, S. A. Schneider and M. F. Toney, Mater. Horiz., 2022, 9, 43 DOI: 10.1039/D1MH01219C

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements