Enhanced Charge Generation Research Articles

MoS2 augmentation in CZTS solar cells: Detailed experimental and simulation analysis

This study investigates the optimization of CZTS-based thin-film solar cells through the incorporation of MoS2 as an interfacial layer. Using SCAPS-1D simulation software, we analyzed the effects of layer thicknesses, carrier concentrations, and defect densities on device performance. The optimized CZTS (100 nm)/ MoS2(1000 nm)/ CdS(100 nm)/ ZnO(50 nm) structure demonstrated a significant efficiency increase to 19.01 % compared to 17.03 % for the CZTS (1100 nm)/ CdS(100 nm)/ ZnO(50 nm) cell. Key improvements include enhanced charge generation, quantum efficiency, and balanced carrier transport.Materials were synthesized using microwave-assisted methods and characterized by XRD and UV–vis spectroscopy. XRD confirmed the desired crystal structures, while optical bandgaps of 1.5 eV (CZTS), 1.3 eV (MoS2), 2.4 eV (CdS), and 3.3 eV (ZnO) were determined. Practical solar cells were fabricated using spin-coating techniques, with thicknesses of CZTS (122 nm)/ MoS2 (1038 nm)/ CdS(130 nm)/ ZnO(94 nm). While showing improved performance with the MoS2 layer, efficiencies were lower than simulated values due to fabrication-related defects. The best experimental cell achieved 1.89 % efficiency, compared to 1.38 % without MoS2.This research demonstrates the potential of MoS2 as an effective interfacial layer in CZTS solar cells, providing insights into optimizing layer properties for enhanced performance. The study also highlights the challenges in translating simulated improvements to practical devices, emphasizing the need for advanced fabrication techniques to minimize defects and maximize efficiency.

Interlayer anions modulated ZnAl-layered double hydroxides for enhanced photocatalytic CO2 reduction

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction has drawn widespread attention across all sectors of society. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have emerged as promising photocatalysts, renowned for their adjustable bandgaps and reaction sites. As a typical anionic layered material, LDHs exhibit intricate interactions between interlayer anions and brucite-like metal layers, greatly influencing their inherent physicochemical properties. In this work, we synthesized ZnAl-LDH samples intercalated with four distinct anions: carbonate (CO32–), chloridion (Cl–), nitrate (NO3–), and dodecyl sulfate (DS–), denoted as LDH-CO3, LDH-Cl, LDH-NO3, and LDH-DS, respectively. These LDHs samples have comparable crystallinity and morphology but differ in their interlayer spacing. XRD results reveal interlayer spacings of 0.77 nm for LDH-CO3, 0.78 nm for LDH-Cl, 0.88 nm for LDH-NO3, and 1.24 nm for LDH-DS, between adjacent brucite-like ZnAl hydroxide layers. Remarkably, LDH-NO3 demonstrates the highest photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance, with CO as the primary reduction product. Specifically, the average CO production rate of LDH-NO3 are 3.80 μmol g–1 h–1, surpassing that of LDH-CO3, LDH-Cl, and LDH-DS by 1.9, 2.1, and 2.5 times, respectively. This superior performance can be attributed to the intermediate interlayer spacing of LDH-NO3, which facilitates strong light absorption and a robust local built-in electric field. Theses properties enhance charge generation and separation abilities, leading to efficient photocatalytic reactions. The obtained results highlight the critical role of controlling small molecules within the interlayer, alongside defects, in the design and fabrication of layered-structure photocatalysts. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing the performance of LDH-based photocatalysts for CO2 reduction and potentially other photocatalytic applications.

Solution‐Processed Tandem Quantum‐Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes with Dual Charge Generation Interfaces: Achieving Over Threefold Efficiency Enhancement

AbstractDespite the commercialization of thermally evaporated tandem organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), challenges remain for solution‐processed tandem quantum‐dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs), including low efficiency and solvent‐induced damage to functional layers. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the optimization of the interconnecting layer (ICL) design in order to fabricate high‐performance solution‐processed tandem QLEDs. Here, by introducing a phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) layer between poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and poly(9‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK), an novel ICL, PVK/PMA/PEDOT:PSS/ZnO is proposed, with dual charge generation interfaces (CGIs): PVK/PMA and PEDOT:PSS/ZnO. The PMA interlayer serves not only smoothing the morphology of PEDOT:PSS to improve charge transport, but also forming a PVK/PMA CGI to enhance charge generation. Based on the excellent electrical and optical properties of the dual‐CGI ICL, the solution‐processed inverted tandem red QLEDs achieve an increased external quantum efficiency (EQE) of over three times compared to single‐junction devices. This provides a novel approach for the high‐efficiency solution‐processed tandem QLEDs, paving the way for the practical application of QLEDs.

Charge generation layer with Yb assistant interlayer for tandem organic light-emitting diodes

Tandem organic light-emitting diode (OLED) devices require an efficient charge generation layer (CGL) between two stacked OLED units. In this study, a CGL with an Yb assistant interlayer was fabricated and investigated. The optical transmittance and charge generation performances of the CGLs were analyzed with respect to the Yb thickness. The best result was obtained at a Yb thickness of 3 nm, at which both the electrical and optical properties exhibited optimal performances. The optical transmittance was greater than 90 %; this was superior to the performances using Ag and Al interlayers. The insertion of a 3-nm Yb layer reduced the threshold voltage from 18 to 6 V. Capacitance measurements revealed that the insertion of the Yb layer enhanced charge generation in the CGLs, reducing the threshold voltage and enhancing charge transport. The tandem OLED device fabricated using Bphen:Liq/Yb/MoO3/TAPC as a CGL exhibited a 1.92 × enhancement in the current efficiency, which is nearly twice the ideal value, compared to a single-unit device. Thus, Yb is a promising candidate for use as an assistant interlayer in CGLs for high-performance tandem OLED devices.

Benzotriazole-based 3D 4-Arm Small Molecules Enable 19.1% Efficiency for PM6:Y6-based Ternary Organic Solar Cells.

The third component featuring a planar backbone structure similar to the binary host molecule has been the empirical formula for improving the photovoltaic performance of ternary organic solar cells (OSCs). In this work, we explored a new avenue that introduces 3-dimensional structured molecules as guest acceptors. Spirobifluorene (SF) is chosen as the core to combine with three different terminal-modified (rhodanine, thiazolidinedione, and dicyano-substituted rhodanine) benzotriazole (BTA) units, affording three 4-arm molecules, SF-BTA1, SF-BTA2, and SF-BTA3, respectively. After adding these three materials into the classical system PM6: Y6, the resulting ternary devices obtained ultra-high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 19.1%, 18.7%, and 18.8%, respectively, compared with the binary OSCs (PCE = 17.4%). SF-BTA1-3 can work as energy donors to increase charge generation via energy transfer. In addition, the charge transfer between PM6 and SF-BTA1-3 also acts to enhance charge generation. Introducing SF-BTA1-3 could form acceptor alloys to modify the molecular energy level and inhibit the self-aggregation of Y6, thereby reducing energy loss and balancing charge transport. Our success in 3D multi-arm materials as the third component shows good universality and brings a new perspective. The further functional development of multi-arm materials could make OSCs more stable and efficient.

Benzotriazole‐Based 3D Four‐Arm Small Molecules Enable 19.1 % Efficiency for PM6 : Y6‐Based Ternary Organic Solar Cells

AbstractA third component featuring a planar backbone structure similar to the binary host molecule has been the preferred ingredient for improving the photovoltaic performance of ternary organic solar cells (OSCs). In this work, we explored a new avenue that introduces 3D‐structured molecules as guest acceptors. Spirobifluorene (SF) is chosen as the core to combine with three different terminal‐modified (rhodanine, thiazolidinedione, and dicyano‐substituted rhodanine) benzotriazole (BTA) units, affording three four‐arm molecules, SF‐BTA1, SF‐BTA2, and SF‐BTA3, respectively. After adding these three materials to the classical system PM6 : Y6, the resulting ternary devices obtained ultra‐high power‐conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 19.1 %, 18.7 %, and 18.8 %, respectively, compared with the binary OSCs (PCE=17.4 %). SF‐BTA1‐3 can work as energy donors to increase charge generation via energy transfer. In addition, the charge transfer between PM6 and SF‐BTA1‐3 also acts to enhance charge generation. Introducing SF‐BTA1‐3 could form acceptor alloys to modify the molecular energy level and inhibit the self‐aggregation of Y6, thereby reducing energy loss and balancing charge transport. Our success in 3D multi‐arm materials as the third component shows good universality and brings a new perspective. The further functional development of multi‐arm materials could make OSCs more stable and efficient.

Enhanced charge generation and transfer properties on anatase nanodendrite array photo-electrodes for high-efficiency quantum dot sensitized solar cells

The loading amount of quantum dots and trap density are the significant issues for quantum dot sensitized solar cells. Anatase TiO2 nanodendrite array is employed as the photo-electrodes for the CuInS2 quantum dot sensitized solar cells instead of the traditional TiO2 nanowire array, which is prepared by two-step hydrothermal process. The excellent charge generation and charge separation properties have been exhibited by the CuInS2 quantum dots sensitized photo-electrodes based on the anatase TiO2 nanodendrite array, which are characterized by the optical absorption spectra and photoluminescence spectra. Meanwhile, the branches from anatase TiO2 nanodendrite array provide much more paths for charge transfer and reduce the charge recombination traps in photo-electrodes, which have provided excellent charge transfer property for the solar cells. As a result, higher current density can be obtained by anatase TiO2 nanodendrite array structure based CuInS2 quantum dot sensitized solar cells, which has exhibited the photovoltaic conversion efficiency enhancement from 4.7% to 5.48%.

Engineering Polymer Interfaces: A Review toward Controlling Triboelectric Surface Charge

AbstractContact electrification and triboelectric charging are areas of intense research. Despite their low ability to accept or donate electrons, polymer insulator based triboelectric nanogenerators have emerged as highly efficient mechanical‐to‐electrical conversion devices. Here, it is reviewed the structure–property–performance of polymer insulators in triboelectric nanogenerators and focus on tools that can be used to directly enhance charge generation, via altering a polymer's mechanical, thermal, chemical, and topographical properties. In addition to the discussion of these fundamental properties, the use of additives to locally manipulate the polymer surface structure is discussed. The link between each property and the underlying charging mechanism is discussed, in the context of both increasing surface charge and predicting the polarity of surface charge, and pathways to engineer triboelectric charging are highlighted. Key questions facing the field surrounding data reporting, the role of water, and synergy between mass, electron, and ion transfer mechanisms are highlighted with aspirational goals of a holistic model for triboelectric charging proposed.

SnO2 nanoparticles anchored on carbon spheres for enhanced charge generation and potentiodynamic effects

Charge transfer kinetics and potentiodynamic of the electrode are critical for understanding the electrochemical behavior of semiconductor catalysts to achieve improved current densities via photoelectrochemical activity. Carbon nanospheres anchored with SnO2 particles were synthesized through a reduction of SnCl4 with N2H4 in aqueous solution, and their electrochemical activity and applied potential affected the photocurrent generation of the electrodes. Carbon-anchored SnO2 nanostructures showed a 420 % increase in photocurrent density in the light state compared with pristine carbon nanospheres and SnO2 nanoparticles. The onset potential of the 80-mV shift toward lower voltages was observed for carbon-anchored SnO2 nanostructures in comparison with pure carbon. Lowest resistance and Tafel slopes were observed for the carbon-anchored SnO2 nanostructures owing to heterostructure formation. The applied voltage had a substantial influence on the current production; the highest current generation was attained at 0.7 V in 0.1 M NaOH liquid electrolyte under illumination condition. Therefore, anchoring of organic nanostructures with semiconductor oxides 4.2-fold influences electrochemical activity, which is highly beneficial for attaining high current densities.

A triboelectric nanogenerator-based tactile sensor array system for monitoring pressure distribution inside prosthetic limb

In the prosthetic field, quantifying interfacial pressure distribution between the amputee's residual limb and the socket’s internal environment is imperative for developing new technologies. However, the commercially available pressure sensors have several disadvantages, namely external power supply requirements, low stability, high cost, and complexities related to integrating the sensor system into prosthetic devices. Herein, we propose a self-powered triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) based flexible tactile sensor array system to monitor prosthetic socket internal pressure distribution in real-time. The proposed sensor consists of biocompatible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer and polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber membranes as triboelectric materials. The biodegradable PCL nanofiber membrane, fabricated via a scalable and cost-effective electrospinning process, possesses a high surface area-to-volume ratio, facilitating enhanced charge generation during triboelectrification. The as-fabricated TENG-based tactile sensor is highly stable up to 10,000 cycles. Furthermore, the voltage of the tactile sensor is independent of different temperature and humidity values, demonstrating the stability of the sensor under various environmental conditions. Finally, we successfully integrated the tactile sensor array within a prosthetic device to monitor real-time pressure distribution inside the prosthetic socket during gait simulation. We believe that the proposed novel design provides a new dimension for the rapid development of self-powered, low-cost, and highly stable pressure monitoring systems with considerable potential for commercialization.

Solid-liquid convertible fluorinated terthiophene as additives in mediating morphology and performance of organic solar cells

Specifically, the efficient photovoltaic materials have bithiophene, thieno[3,2-b]thiophene or terthiophene sequences along conjugated backbones. In this contribution, a fluorinated terthiophene derivative ([2F]3T) is developed and used as additive to finely regulate the morphology of bulk heterojunction photoactive layers. Results show that the [2F]3T possess melting point of 75 °C and crystallization temperatures of 35 °C, and thus can serve as nucleation center at room temperature and plasticizer under thermal annealing to form favorable morphology with increased crystallinity and P-i-N like heterojunction. Therefore, the optimized PM6:Y6 based solar cells with [2F]3T additive reach efficiency of 17.6%, which is higher than that of the control devices with a modest efficiency of 16.3%. Moreover, the fill factor (FF) and short circuit current (Jsc) increase significantly from 72.8% and 26.3 mA cm−2 for the control devices to 76.6% and 27.0 mA cm−2 for the devices with [2F]3T additive. Carrier dynamic studies reveal that the favorable morphology in [2F]3T-based devices translate into enhanced charge generation, transportation, and suppressed charge recombination. These findings make clear that the additive featuring with similar chemical building blocks as that of the organic photovoltaic materials has broader implications for further optimization of organic solar cells.

Controlling the Treatment Time for Ideal Morphology towards Efficient Organic Solar Cells.

In this work, we performed a systematic comparison of different duration of solvent vapor annealing (SVA) treatment upon state-of-the-art PM6:SY1 blend film, which is to say for the first time, the insufficient, appropriate, and over-treatment’s effect on the active layer is investigated. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of corresponding organic solar cell (OSC) devices is up to 17.57% for the optimized system, surpassing the two counterparts. The properly tuned phase separation and formed interpenetrating network plays an important role in achieving high efficiency, which is also well-discussed by the morphological characterizations and understanding of device physics. Specifically, these improvements result in enhanced charge generation, transport, and collection. This work is of importance due to correlating post-treatment delicacy, thin-film morphology, and device performance in a decent way.

Trace Solvent Additives Enhance Charge Generation in Layer‐by‐Layer Coated Organic Solar Cells

In bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells (OSC), the photoactive layer morphology controls charge carrier generation, transport, and extraction. Obtaining the “optimum” morphology is often achieved by empiric optimization of processing conditions and post‐processing treatment. Better control over the morphology can be achieved by sequential photoactive layer‐by‐layer (LbL) deposition techniques, creating a pseudo‐bilayer OSC. Solvent additives can be used to modify the vertical component distribution, thereby enhancing OSC efficiency. However, the impact of solvent additives on device photophysics is often unclear. Here, the photophysics of LbL‐coated PM6/Y6 organic solar cells are reported. Enhanced power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) are observed when using 1‐chloronaphthalene (CN) as a solvent additive. Transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy indicates that the addition of 0.5% CN facilitates both exciton dissociation and charge separation, while excessive (>1%) use of CN causes fast geminate and non‐geminate charge recombination and consequently deteriorates device performance. The results outline routes to fine‐tune the morphology of LbL‐coated photoactive layers of OSCs and provide insight into the reasons for increased PCEs.

Enabling High Efficiency of Hydrocarbon‐Solvent Processed Organic Solar Cells through Balanced Charge Generation and Non‐Radiative Loss

AbstractUsing non‐halogenated solvents to process organic solar cells is preferable because they are less harmful to human health. However, it is challenging to mitigate the delicate trade‐offs between solubility and pre‐aggregation of organic semiconductors to maintain similar high device efficiencies as those processed by chlorinated solvents. The need for rigorous control of the kinetics between processing temperature and delay time inevitably complicates device processing for achieving reproducible performance. Herein, the authors develop a facile method to achieve proper solubility and pre‐aggregation in non‐halogenated solvents by selecting suitable donor/acceptor materials and subtle tuning of solvent compositions. This results in films with a high degree of ordering and suitably sized phase separation. Solar cells derived from this process can achieve a high power conversion efficiency up to 18%, which is the highest value reported for non‐halogenated solvent processed devices. This impressive result is achieved through synergistically reduced non‐radiative loss and enhanced charge generation.

Ag/ɑ-Fe2O3 nanowire arrays enable effectively photoelectrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide to methanol

The photoelectrochemical (PEC) reduction of CO2 into useful fuels using environmentally friendly and visible-light-driven catalysts is a promising approach for mitigating CO2 emissions. Herein, ɑ-Fe2O3 nanowire arrays coupled with Ag nanoparticles (Ag/ɑ-Fe2O3) are realized by electrodeposition following post photoreduction process. As a result, the Ag/ɑ-Fe2O3 photoelectrode shows remarkably improved catalytic properties towards the PEC reduction of CO2, particularly for the methanol production, with a rate of 11.72 mmol cm−2 h−1 and a Faradaic efficiency of 51%, which are all much higher than those achieved on bare ɑ-Fe2O3. Meantime, the catalytic activity of the Ag/ɑ-Fe2O3 photoelectrode proceeds without deactivation even after 50 h. The improved photoelectrocatalytic performances can be attributed to the plasmonic Ag nanoparticles with enhanced charge generation and separation, as well as transport over the Ag/ɑ-Fe2O3 nanowire arrays. This work will shed light on designing efficient and robust catalysts for PEC reduction of CO2.

Effects on Photovoltaic Characteristics by Organic Bilayer- and Bulk-Heterojunctions: Energy Losses, Carrier Recombination and Generation

We investigate the photovoltaic characteristics of organic solar cells (OSCs) for two distinctly different nanostructures, by comparing the charge carrier dynamics for bilayer- and bulk-heterojunction OSCs. Most interestingly, both architectures exhibit fairly similar power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), reflecting a comparable critical domain size for charge generation and charge recombination. Although this is, at first hand, surprising, a detailed analysis points out the similarity between these two concepts. A bulk-heterojunction architecture arranges the charge generating domains in a 3D ensemble across the whole bulk, while bilayer architectures arrange the specific domains on top of each other, rather than sharp bilayers. Specifically, for the polymer PBDB-T-2F, we find that the enhanced charge generation in a bulk composite is partially compensated by reduced recombination in the bilayer architecture, when nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) are used instead of a fullerene acceptor. Overall, we demonstrate that bilayer-heterojunction OSCs with NFAs can reach competitive PCEs compared to the corresponding bulk-heterojunction OSCs because of reduced nonradiative open-circuit voltage losses, and suppressed trap-assisted recombination, as a result of a vertically separated donor-to-acceptor nanostructure. In contrast, the bilayer-heterojunction OSCs with the fullerene acceptor exhibited poor photovoltaic characteristics compared to the corresponding bulk devices because of highly aggregated acceptor molecules on top of the polymer donor. Although free carrier generation is reduced in a in a bilayer-heterojunction, because of reduced donor/acceptor interfaces and a limited exciton diffusion length, more favorable transport pathways for unipolar charge collection can partially compensate the aforementioned disadvantages. We propose that the unique properties of NFAs may open a technical venue for the bilayer-heterojunction as a great and easy alternative to the bulk heterojunction.

Ultrathin perovskite based solar cells with the efficiency enhanced by charge transfer process

We report a new approach of improving the solar cells efficiency based on ultrathin perovskite films. We propose the addition of CuPc compound to perovskite active layer for enhanced charge generation and transfer process by charge transfer process between CuPc and perovskite. The performance of the devices with and without addition of CuPc was studied in respect to thickness of the active layer. The thickness was varied by the change of the spin coating speed in the range of 4000, 7000 and 10000 rpm, different concentration of CuPc also been studied. The process of charge carrier recombination, crystallinity and Raman characteristics of the obtained films was studied. The perovskite device with an active layer of MAPbI 3 mixed with CuPc spin coated with the speed of 10000 rpm with thickness of about 150 nm demonstrated the efficiency of 12.7%. The ultrathin mixed perovskite film (10000 rpm perovskite film of 15% CuPc) based device presents 33% thickness and 85% efficiency of common pure perovskite device (4000 rpm pure perovskite film). • A new approach of increment of the efficiency of ultrathin perovskite solar cells. • The addition of CuPc to perovskite solution for enhanced charge generation and transfer process. • The perovskite device based ultrathin MAPbI 3 and CuPc mixed layer of 150 nm obtains an efficiency of 12.7%.

Enhanced charge generation and transfer performance of the conical bamboo-like TiO2 nanotube arrays photo-electrodes in quantum dot sensitized solar cells

Conical bamboo-like TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) electrodes, instead of the traditional TiO2 NTs and conical TiO2 NTs electrodes, are employed as the photo-electrodes for the fabrication of CuInS2 quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), which have improved deposition content of QDs in solar cells. The distances between each bamboo ring are modulated by the different anodization holding times. In addition, the optical properties of different TiO2 NTs electrodes and CuInS2 quantum dots sensitized photo-electrodes are investigated, which reveals that the deposition content of QDs have been improved by the bamboo rings of conical bamboo-like TiO2 NTs based photo-electrodes to obtain better optical absorption property and charge separation property. More importantly, the bamboo rings in the conical bamboo-like TiO2 NTs structure can provide more paths for the charge transfer, which results in improved charge transfer rate in the QDSSCs. Finally, the optimized conical bamboo-like TiO2 NTs prepared by anodization holding time of 20 min exhibits higher current density, which leads to a significant increasing of the photovoltaic conversion efficiency from 4.65% to 5.98%.

Molybdenum doping effects for bismuth vanadate photocatalysts on electrochemical performances using the solution process

Metal-doping is widely used to enhance charge generation and reduce carrier recombination of BiVO4 for catalyzing water oxidation. In this work, different Mo-doping levels are applied to synthesize Mo-doped BiVO4 (MBVO) on conductive glasses. Molybdenum plays multiple roles of dopant, structure-confined mediator, and sources for forming additional semiconductor. The MBVO with lower Mo-doping levels presents bi-layered structure with nanowire overlayer and nanorod underlayer, which can develop facile one-dimensional charge-transfer paths and efficient heterojunction. With preferable design of nanowire and nanorod layers, the high light absorption, small charge-transfer resistance and high carrier density are attained for MBVO with 1% Mo-doping, which shows the highest photocurrent density of 2.5 mA/cm2 at 1.23 VRHE, smallest onset potential of 0.22 VRHE and highest maximum photoconversion efficiency of 2.20%. This work carefully illustrates the function of molybdenum and firstly constructs the unique bi-layered structure for MBVO to display outstanding photoelectrochemical performance for catalyzing water oxidation.

Discerning Bulk and Interfacial Polarons in a Dual Electron Donor/Acceptor Polymer.

The active layer of organic solar cells typically possesses a complex morphology, with amorphous donor/acceptor mixed domains present in addition to purer, more crystalline domains. These crystalline domains may represent an energy sink for free charges that aids charge separation and suppresses bimolecular recombination. The first step in exploiting this behavior is the identification and characterization of charges located in these different domains. Herein, the generation and recombination of both bulk and interfacial polarons are demonstrated in the dual electron donor/acceptor polymer XIND using transient absorption spectroscopy. The absorption spectra of XIND bulk polarons, present in pristine polymer domains, are clearly distinguishable from those of polarons present at the donor/acceptor interface. Furthermore, it is shown that photogenerated polarons are transferred from the interface to the bulk. These findings support the energy sink hypothesis and offer a way to maximize morphology relationships to enhance charge generation and suppress recombination.