Solution-Processed pH-Neutral Conjugated Polyelectrolyte Improves Interfacial Contact in Organic Solar Cells

The intrinsic acidic nature of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) hole-transporting layer (HTL) induces interfacial protonation and limits the device performance in organic solar cells based on basic pyridylthiadiazole units. By utilizing a pH neutral, water/alcohol soluble conjugated polyelectrolyte CPE-K as the HTL in p-DTS(PTTh₂)₂:PC₇₁BM solar cells, a 60% enhancement in PCE has been obtained with an increased <i>V</i>_bi, reduced <i>R</i>_s, and improved charge extraction. These effects originate from the elimination of interfacial protonation and energy barrier compared with the PEDOT:PSS HTL