A Cross-Linkable Electron-Transport Layer Based on a Fullerene-Benzoxazine Derivative for Inverted Polymer Solar Cells.

Abstract

The synthesis, optoelectronic characterization and device properties of a cross-linkable fullerene derivative, [6,6]-phenyl-C61 -butyric benzoxazine ester (PCBB) is reported. PCBB shows all the basic photophysical and electrochemical properties of the parent compound [6,6]-phenyl-C61 -butyric methyl ester (PCBM). Thermal cross-linking of the benzoxazine moiety in PCBB resulted in the formation of cross-linked, solvent resistive adhesive films (C-PCBB). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical microscopic studies showed dramatic reduction in the roughness and aggregation behaviour of P3HT-PCBM polymer blend film upon incorporation of C-PCBB interlayer. An inverted bulk heterojunction solar cell based on the configuration ITO/ZnO/C-PCBB/P3HT-PCBM/V2 O5 /Ag achieved 4.27 % power conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to the reference device ITO/ZnO/P3HT-PCBM/V2 O5 /Ag (PCE=3.28 %). This 25 % increase in the efficiency is due to the positive effects of C-PCBB on P3HT/C-PCBB and PCBM/C-PCBB heterojunctions.