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| Open AccessUltralow-temperature-driven water-based sorption refrigeration enabled by low-cost zeolite-like porous aluminophosphate
Thermally-driven water-sorption refrigeration is a promising environmentally friendly technology, but finding suitable porous materials is challenging. The authors report a very high coefficient of performance using a low-cost zeolite-like aluminophosphate as a water sorbent, suitable for use with low-grade thermal energy.
- Zhangli Liu
- , Jiaxing Xu
- & Xiulan Huai
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-specific-power flexible transition metal dichalcogenide solar cells
Ultrathin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) hold promise for next-generation lightweight photovoltaics. Here, the authors demonstrate the first flexible high power-per-weight TMD solar cells with notably improved power conversion efficiency.
- Koosha Nassiri Nazif
- , Alwin Daus
- & Krishna C. Saraswat
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Article
| Open AccessPhase segregation in mixed-halide perovskites affects charge-carrier dynamics while preserving mobility
Phase segregation in mixed halide perovskite is known to alter the optoelectronic properties, but how it affects charge carriers is not clear. Here, the authors use THz spectroscopy to reveal that high carrier mobilities are well preserved, while recombination dynamics is affected by charge funnelling upon segregation.
- Silvia G. Motti
- , Jay B. Patel
- & Laura M. Herz
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Article
| Open AccessUnassisted selective solar hydrogen peroxide production by an oxidised buckypaper-integrated perovskite photocathode
It is of high demand yet challenging to boost the efficiency of solar driven hydrogen peroxide synthesis. Herein, the authors intergrade perovskite-based photocathode and oxidised buckypaper for unassisted solar H2O2 production with a solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of ~1.463 %.
- Rashmi Mehrotra
- , Dongrak Oh
- & Ji-Wook Jang
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Article
| Open AccessTuning structural isomers of phenylenediammonium to afford efficient and stable perovskite solar cells and modules
Salt passivation of perovskite often results in formation of 2D perovskite layers, which impaired charge transport behaviour. Here, the authors study the energy barrier of 2D perovskite formation upon passivation by different iodide salt, and provide insight how to manipulate this to maximise device performance.
- Cheng Liu
- , Yi Yang
- & Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin
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Article
| Open AccessRecycling lead and transparent conductors from perovskite solar modules
Perovskite photovoltaics has become more competitive against silicon counterpart in reducing cost of solar energy, yet the management of toxic lead hampers it application. Here, the authors propose a cost-effective environmental-friendly approach to recycle lead and transparent conductors.
- Bo Chen
- , Chengbin Fei
- & Jinsong Huang
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Article
| Open AccessEfficient CO2 electroreduction on facet-selective copper films with high conversion rate
Regulation of Cu facets to promote electrocatalytic CO2 reduction is interesting and challenging. Here the authors describe a deposition-etch-bombardment synthetic approach to prepare Cu(100)-rich thin film electrodes for CO2 electroreduction with over 50% ethylene Faradaic efficiency at a total current of 12 A.
- Gong Zhang
- , Zhi-Jian Zhao
- & Jinlong Gong
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Article
| Open AccessIdentification of lead vacancy defects in lead halide perovskites
Point defects compromise the electronic performance of hybrid perovskites, yet no experimental identifications have been reported. Here, the authors, for the first time, identify lead monovacancy defect in MAPbI3 using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy with the aid of density functional theory.
- David J. Keeble
- , Julia Wiktor
- & Werner Egger
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Article
| Open AccessAtomic-scale imaging of CH3NH3PbI3 structure and its decomposition pathway
The knowledge of atomic structure and structural instability of hybrid perovskites is crucial to understand their photoelectric properties and failure mechanism. Here, the authors utilise low-dose TEM imaging technique to investigate the atomic structure and decomposition pathway of MAPbI3 at the atomic scale.
- Shulin Chen
- , Changwei Wu
- & Peng Gao
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Article
| Open AccessNon-fullerene acceptor organic photovoltaics with intrinsic operational lifetimes over 30 years
Through development of non-fullerene acceptors, OPVs have reached efficiencies of 18%, yet the inadequate operational lifetime still poses a challenge for the commercialisation. Here, the authors investigate the origin of instability of NFA solar cells, and propose some strategies to mitigate this issue.
- Yongxi Li
- , Xiaheng Huang
- & Stephen R. Forrest
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Article
| Open AccessPolymerized small molecular acceptor based all-polymer solar cells with an efficiency of 16.16% via tuning polymer blend morphology by molecular design
Through development of non-fullerene acceptors, OPVs have reached efficiencies of 18%, yet the inadequate operational lifetime still poses a challenge for the commercialisation. Here, the authors investigate the origin of instability of NFA solar cells, and propose some strategies to mitigate this issue.
- Jiaqi Du
- , Ke Hu
- & Yongfang Li
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Article
| Open AccessVacancy-defect modulated pathway of photoreduction of CO2 on single atomically thin AgInP2S6 sheets into olefiant gas
CO2 conversion driven by light is a promising strategy to synchronously overcome global warming and energy-supply issues. Here the authors show that the sulfur defect engineering on a quaternary AgInP2S6 atomic layer can excitingly change the CO2 photoreduction reaction pathway to the generation of ethene.
- Wa Gao
- , Shi Li
- & Zhigang Zou
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Article
| Open AccessUnveiling structure-performance relationships from multi-scales in non-fullerene organic photovoltaics
Understanding correlations between molecular structures and macroscopic properties is critical in realising highly efficient organic photovoltaics. Here, the authors conduct a comprehensive study based on four non-fullerene acceptors revealing how the extended conjugation, asymmetric terminals and alkyl chain length can affect device performance.
- Shuixing Li
- , Lingling Zhan
- & Hongzheng Chen
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Article
| Open AccessSemiconductor thermionics for next generation solar cells: photon enhanced or pure thermionic?
A semiconductor thermionic device, which utilises thermally excited electrons, is considered as an alternative in solar conversion technology, yet its working mechanism is not clear. Here, the authors reveal that whether such a device operates in the photon enhanced or purely thermionic mode, greatly depends on the material properties and device physics.
- Ehsanur Rahman
- & Alireza Nojeh
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Article
| Open AccessNiFeOx decorated Ge-hematite/perovskite for an efficient water splitting system
Germanium (Ge) has potential as a dopant suitable for the hematite-based photoelectrochemical water splitting system. Here, the authors report the fabrication of Ge doped porous hematite and demonstrate an efficient tandem system of Ge doped porous hematite and the perovskite solar cell.
- Ki-Yong Yoon
- , Juhyung Park
- & Ji-Hyun Jang
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Article
| Open AccessInterfacial chemical bond and internal electric field modulated Z-scheme Sv-ZnIn2S4/MoSe2 photocatalyst for efficient hydrogen evolution
The construction of Z-scheme heterostructures is of great significance for realizing efficient photocatalytic water splitting. Here, the authors report an interfacial chemical bond and internal electric field modulated Z-Scheme Sv-ZnIn2S4/MoSe2 photocatalyst for efficient hydrogen evolution.
- Xuehua Wang
- , Xianghu Wang
- & Zhenjiang Li
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Article
| Open AccessA universal Urbach rule for disordered organic semiconductors
The sub-gap absorption coefficient in organic semiconductors is often characterized by Urbach energies, which quantify both structural and dynamic disorders, yet the fundamental is not well-understood. Here, the authors provide a strategy to determine excitonic disorder energy, and reveal that absorption at energies well below the gap is universally dominated by thermal broadening.
- Christina Kaiser
- , Oskar J. Sandberg
- & Ardalan Armin
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Article
| Open AccessWittichenite semiconductor of Cu3BiS3 films for efficient hydrogen evolution from solar driven photoelectrochemical water splitting
A highly efficient, stable, low-cost and environmentally friendly photocathode is the goal of practical solar hydrogen evolution applications. Here, authors report a Cu3BiS3-based photocathode and Cu3BiS3-BiVO4 tandem cell for unbiased overall solar water splitting with a STH efficiency over 2%.
- Dingwang Huang
- , Lintao Li
- & Feng Jiang
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| Open AccessFull-frame and high-contrast smart windows from halide-exchanged perovskites
Window glazing plays a crucial role in modulating indoor light and heat transmission, which is beneficial for energy saving. Here, Liu et al. report a full-frame and high-contrast smart windows made of perovskite photovoltaic and ion-gel electrochromic components to realise self-adjusting brightness and temperature regulator.
- You Liu
- , Jungan Wang
- & Tianshi Qin
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Article
| Open AccessAre Shockley-Read-Hall and ABC models valid for lead halide perovskites?
Charge dynamics in perovskite is not well-understood, limited by the knowledge of defect physics and charge recombination mechanism, yet the ABC and SRH models are widely used. Here, the authors introduce advanced PLQY mapping as function of excitation pulse energy and repetition frequency to examine the validity of these models.
- Alexander Kiligaridis
- , Pavel A. Frantsuzov
- & Ivan G. Scheblykin
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Article
| Open AccessRevealing composition and structure dependent deep-level defect in antimony trisulfide photovoltaics
Antimony trisulfide emerges as a suitable candidate for light-harvesting due to its good stability and abundance, yet the defect properties are not well-understood. Here, by means of deep-level transient spectroscopy, Lian et al. find that there are three kinds of deep-level defects depending on the chemical composition.
- Weitao Lian
- , Chenhui Jiang
- & Tao Chen
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Article
| Open AccessNovel symmetrical bifacial flexible CZTSSe thin film solar cells for indoor photovoltaic applications
Indoor lighting is weak and multi-directional, thus the requirement for photovoltaic differs from that designed for outdoor. To efficiently harvest the indoor energy, the authors designed CZTSSe bifacial solar cells on flexible Mo substrate using double-sided deposition to ensure consistency and to save cost.
- Hui Deng
- , Quanzhen Sun
- & Shuying Cheng
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Article
| Open AccessEfficient photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide generation coupled with selective benzylamine oxidation over defective ZrS3 nanobelts
Photocatalytic H2O2 generation represents a promising approach for artificial photosynthesis. Here, ZrS3 nanobelts with controllable disulfide and sulfide anion vacancies exhibit an excellent photocatalytic H2O2 generation performance together with selective oxidation of benzylamine to benzonitrile.
- Zhangliu Tian
- , Cheng Han
- & Wei Chen
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Article
| Open AccessA molecular photosensitizer achieves a Voc of 1.24 V enabling highly efficient and stable dye-sensitized solar cells with copper(II/I)-based electrolyte
Designing photo-sensitisers with high open-circuit voltage (Voc) is desirable to enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of co-sensitized solar cells. Here, the authors employ a judiciously tailored organic sensitiser MS5 with copper electrolyte to achieve a Voc of 1.24 V, and recorded PCE of 34.5% under ambient light.
- Dan Zhang
- , Marko Stojanovic
- & Michael Grätzel
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Article
| Open AccessModulating electron density of vacancy site by single Au atom for effective CO2 photoreduction
The electron density of reactive sites significantly affects catalytic performances. Here, authors demonstrate the electron density of different reactive sites can be modulated by regulating the type of vacancy and the size of Au, leading to effective CO2 photoreduction.
- Yuehan Cao
- , Lan Guo
- & Ying Zhou
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Article
| Open AccessHow antisolvent miscibility affects perovskite film wrinkling and photovoltaic properties
Perovskite morphology dictates carriers’ behaviors and defect states, and thus the ultimate performance of the material. Here, the authors investigate micro-wrinkle formation in film by varying composition and deposition condition, and further implement the optimized structure for solar cells, achieving 23% efficiency.
- Seul-Gi Kim
- , Jeong-Hyeon Kim
- & Nam-Gyu Park
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Article
| Open AccessBoosting photocatalytic hydrogen production from water by photothermally induced biphase systems
The solar-driven H2 production from water by particulate photocatalysts is an effective approach to produce H2 fuel. Here, the authors propose an integrated photothermal–photocatalytic biphase system, which lowers the reaction barrier and the delivery resistance of the H2, boosting the catalytic H2 evolution rate.
- Shaohui Guo
- , Xuanhua Li
- & Bingqing Wei
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Article
| Open AccessSurface passivated halide perovskite single-crystal for efficient photoelectrochemical synthesis of dimethoxydihydrofuran
Perovskite single-crystal thin films inherit the advantages of low trap-states, well-defined thickness and remarkable stability. Now, researchers successfully employed MAPbBr3 single-crystal thin film as photoanode in the photoelectrochemical production of organic 2,5-dimethoxy-2,5-dihydrofuran.
- Xu-Dong Wang
- , Yu-Hua Huang
- & Dai-Bin Kuang
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Article
| Open AccessAutomatic light-adjusting electrochromic device powered by perovskite solar cell
The requirement for external electric supplies has significantly limited the application of electrochromic devices in modulating light absorption as smart windows. Here, the authors report automatic switching perovskite solar cells-powered all-in-one gel electrochromic device in response to surrounding light intensity in real-time.
- Huan Ling
- , Jianchang Wu
- & Yan Jun Liu
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Article
| Open AccessDesigning a next generation solar crystallizer for real seawater brine treatment with zero liquid discharge
Proper disposal of industrial brine remains a critical environmental challenge. Here, the authors devise a solar crystallizer and propose a salt crystallization inhibition strategy, which together provide a low-cost and sustainable solution for industrial brine disposal with zero liquid discharge.
- Chenlin Zhang
- , Yusuf Shi
- & Peng Wang
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| Open AccessCharacterisation of oxygen defects and nitrogen impurities in TiO2 photocatalysts using variable-temperature X-ray powder diffraction
Nitrogen-doped TiO2 exhibits improved photocatalytic water-splitting activity partially due to enhanced oxygen vacancy formation. Here, authors demonstrate the temperature-dependent lattice distortion of oxygen vacancies, and identify the presence of a titanium oxynitride phase in high activity catalysts.
- Christopher Foo
- , Yiyang Li
- & Shik Chi Edman Tsang
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Article
| Open AccessPseudo-bilayer architecture enables high-performance organic solar cells with enhanced exciton diffusion length
The so-called pseudo-bilayer (PB) organic solar cell (OSC) device architecture can promote enhanced exciton dissociation and charge transport, leading to improved device performance. Here, the authors report high-efficiency OSCs that features a PB architecture and optimized ternary system.
- Kui Jiang
- , Jie Zhang
- & Alex K.-Y. Jen
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Article
| Open AccessFlexible and efficient perovskite quantum dot solar cells via hybrid interfacial architecture
Perovskite quantum dots film has better mechanical stability and structural integrity compared to bulk thin film. Here, the authors demonstrate higher endurance of quantum dot films and develop hybrid CsPbI3 QD/PCBM device with PCE of 15.1% and 12.3% on rigid and flexible substrates, respectively.
- Long Hu
- , Qian Zhao
- & Tom Wu
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Article
| Open AccessHigh performance tandem organic solar cells via a strongly infrared-absorbing narrow bandgap acceptor
Development of tandem organic solar cells has been limited by the choice of near-infrared absorbing materials for the rear cell. Here, the authors report a simple strategy to extend the conjugation length of acceptor Y6 and broaden its absorption range to near-infrared region. A tandem organic solar cell with efficiency of 16.4% was achieved.
- Zhenrong Jia
- , Shucheng Qin
- & Yongfang Li
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Article
| Open AccessAn efficient and stable solar flow battery enabled by a single-junction GaAs photoelectrode
Solar flow batteries (SFBs) can convert, store and release intermittent solar energy but have been built with complex multi-junction solar cells. Here an efficient and stable SFB is shown with single-junction GaAs solar cells via rational potential match modeling and operating condition optimization.
- Hui-Chun Fu
- , Wenjie Li
- & Song Jin
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Article
| Open AccessBismuth atom tailoring of indium oxide surface frustrated Lewis pairs boosts heterogeneous CO2 photocatalytic hydrogenation
Surface frustrated Lewis pairs (SFLPs) provide a unique class of active sites that enable efficient gas-phase CO2 photocatalysis. How to tailor the reactivity of the SFLPs represents a major challenge, which the authors address here by single-site Bi3+ ion substitution of the SFLPs.
- Tingjiang Yan
- , Na Li
- & Geoffrey A. Ozin
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Article
| Open AccessMethylamine-assisted growth of uniaxial-oriented perovskite thin films with millimeter-sized grains
Suppressing grain boundaries and defects in perovskite solar cells remains a quest to address the efficiency and stability issues. Here, the authors use methylamine gas for assisting the growth of uniaxial-oriented perovskite thin films with millimeter-sized grains.
- Haochen Fan
- , Fengzhu Li
- & YanLin Song
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Article
| Open AccessUniversal and versatile morphology engineering via hot fluorous solvent soaking for organic bulk heterojunction
Morphology control of bulk heterojunction organic solar cells has been a challenge for realising optimal photovoltaic performance. Here, the authors utilise amphiphobic nature and temperature-dependent miscibility of fluorous solvent to promote molecular reorganisation and morphological optimisation.
- Tong Shan
- , Yi Zhang
- & Hongliang Zhong
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Article
| Open AccessCharge-generating mid-gap trap states define the thermodynamic limit of organic photovoltaic devices
The inability to accurately measure the charge-generating energy states in organic solar cells makes elucidating the photovoltaic effect in these devices difficult. Here, the authors report charge-generating mid-gap trap states in organic solar cells via ultra-sensitive photovoltaic measurements.
- Nasim Zarrabi
- , Oskar J. Sandberg
- & Ardalan Armin
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-performance and stable photoelectrochemical water splitting cell with organic-photoactive-layer-based photoanode
While organic semiconductors may be useful in photoelectrochemical water-splitting materials, they show low stability in water. Here, the authors report high-performance and stable organic-semiconductor-based photoanodes passivated using nickel foils, GaIn eutectic, and layered double hydroxides.
- Je Min Yu
- , Jungho Lee
- & Ji-Wook Jang
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Article
| Open AccessEfficient energy transfer mitigates parasitic light absorption in molecular charge-extraction layers for perovskite solar cells
The performance of perovskite solar cells can be limited by light absorption loss in organic charge extraction layers, through which sun light must propagate before reaching the perovskite. Here, the authors demonstrate that efficient energy transfer to the perovskite layer from a thin organic layer is able to eliminate this parasitic loss.
- Hannah J. Eggimann
- , Jay B. Patel
- & Laura M. Herz
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Article
| Open Access16.8% Monolithic all-perovskite triple-junction solar cells via a universal two-step solution process
Integrating several different perovskite absorber layers in a multi-junction solar cell imposes a great processing challenge. Here, the authors demonstrate a versatile two-step solution process for fabricating monolithic all-perovskite triple-junction solar cells.
- Junke Wang
- , Valerio Zardetto
- & René A. J. Janssen
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Article
| Open AccessLong-range exciton diffusion in molecular non-fullerene acceptors
The short-range diffusion length of organic semiconductors severely limits exciton harvesting and charge generation in organic bulk heterojunction solar cells. Here, the authors report exciton diffusion length in the range of 20 to 47 nm for a wide range of non-fullerene acceptors molecules.
- Yuliar Firdaus
- , Vincent M. Le Corre
- & Thomas D. Anthopoulos
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| Open AccessRoll-to-roll gravure-printed flexible perovskite solar cells using eco-friendly antisolvent bathing with wide processing window
Driven by recent improvement in efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells, the next step toward commercialisation is upscaling. Here, the authors demonstrate pilot-scale fully roll-to-roll manufacturing of flexible perovskite solar cells through gravure-printing and antisolvent bathing.
- Young Yun Kim
- , Tae-Youl Yang
- & Jangwon Seo
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Article
| Open AccessOrthogonal colloidal quantum dot inks enable efficient multilayer optoelectronic devices
The realisation of film made up of different compositions using colloidal QD inks remains a challenge because of redispersing of underlying films by polar solvents. Here, the authors introduce aromatic ligands to achieve QD inks in weakly-polar solvents that enable fabrication of multi-compositional films.
- Seungjin Lee
- , Min-Jae Choi
- & Edward H. Sargent
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Article
| Open AccessDirect growth of uniform carbon nitride layers with extended optical absorption towards efficient water-splitting photoanodes
Photoelectrochemical cells (PEC) can convert sunlight and water directly to a hydrogen fuel. Here a robust metal-free carbon nitride-based layer is used as an efficient photoanode for water-splitting PEC.
- Jiani Qin
- , Jesús Barrio
- & Menny Shalom
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Article
| Open AccessRandom terpolymer based on thiophene-thiazolothiazole unit enabling efficient non-fullerene organic solar cells
The batch reproducibility of polymer donor materials limits the performance of polymer solar cells. Here Wu et al. develop a polymer donor PM1 by random terpolymerization strategy with a high efficiency of 17.6% in the device and excellent batch-to-batch reproducibility.
- Jingnan Wu
- , Guangwei Li
- & Yongfang Li
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Article
| Open AccessRobust metal ion-chelated polymer interfacial layer for ultraflexible non-fullerene organic solar cells
Simultaneously achieving high efficiency and mechanical robustness is challenging for ultraflexible organic solar cells. Here, Qin et al. present a robust interlayer of Zinc-chelated polyethylenimine (PEI-Zn) to facilitate the demonstration of efficient and mechanically robust ultraflexible solar cells.
- Fei Qin
- , Wen Wang
- & Yinhua Zhou
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Article
| Open AccessSurface chelation of cesium halide perovskite by dithiocarbamate for efficient and stable solar cells
Surface engineering is a known strategy to optimize the perovskite solar cells but it is usually based on weak bondings, such as Van der Waals, or coorordiating interacterions. Here He et al. report a chelation strategy using strongly adsorbed dithiocarbamate molecules and achieve high efficiency of 17.03% with excellent stability for CsPbI2Br based solar cells.
- Jingjing He
- , Junxian Liu
- & Hua Gui Yang