Atomic layer deposition-processed laminated In2O3:V2O5 nanocompounds: Versatile electrode platforms for high-performance organic photovoltaics and capacitor devices

Abstract

Despite considerable advancements in transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs), their widespread use in energy storage and conversion devices remains limited. This is primarily attributable to factors such as the work function (WF), surface roughness, and charge mobility limitations. These challenges necessitate comprehensive solutions and innovative approaches to utilize TCEs for energy-related applications. Herein, In2O3:V2O5 nanocompound TCEs were fabricated with excellent transmittance (∼ 90%), high WF (5.33 eV), and large mobility (52.1 cm2/V·s) using atomic layer deposition. The performance of the In2O3:V2O5 nanocompound TCE was evaluated in organic photovoltaics (OPVs) and metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors. In OPVs based on the PM6:Y6 active layer, a low surface roughness and suitable energy level alignment of In2O3:V2O5 nanocompound TCEs with the active layer eliminate the requirement of a hole-transport layer (HTL), resulting in an efficiency of 16.3% and an excellent fill-factor of 71.0% in HTL-free OPVs under simulated 1-sun illumination. Moreover, in MIM capacitor devices that employ the TiO2 dielectric, In2O3:V2O5 nanocompound TCEs exhibit a significantly lower leakage current (> 1800 times) and improved capacitance (2.5 times) compared with those of conventional TiN electrode-based capacitors. The dual functionality of the proposed In2O3:V2O5 nanocompound TCEs validates their potential for use in several optoelectronic devices.