Solution-processed functionalized reduced graphene oxide-an efficient stable electron buffer layer for high-performance solar cells

Abstract

Interfacial buffer layer is a primary requirement for highly efficient and stable organic solar cells (OSCs) and has become a significant part of OSC research today. Here, highly dispersed functionalized reduced graphene oxide (FGr) was obtained as a stable electron buffer layer (EBL) for high-performance conventional solar cells. The power conversion efficiency of FGr-based devices (9.47% for PTB7-Th:PC71BM and 4.05% for P3HT:PC71BM) outperforms PFN-based devices (8.94% and 3.52%). Furthermore, the stability of the devices was greatly improved with FGr as EBL compared to PFN, and only dropped 7.4% of its original value after stored for 61 days. The results indicate that solution-processed functionalized reduced graphene oxide is a promising interfacial material and an excellent candidate as electron buffer layer.