Optimizing the Phase-Separated Domain Size of the Active Layer via Sequential Crystallization in All-Polymer Solar Cells

摘要： Proper domain size of the active layer plays a key role in determining the exciton dissociation and charge transport in all polymer solar cells (all-PSCs). However, fine-tuning the domain size remains challenging due to low glass transition temperature and negligible mixing entropy in polymer blends. Herein, we systematically studied the influence of “crystallization kinetics” on the domain size and proposed that if donor and acceptor crystallize simultaneously, it is prone to form large domain size; while if sequential crystallization of donor and acceptor occurs, a fine phase separation structure with proper domain size can be obtained. Taking PBDB-T/PNDI blends for instance, the domain size was decreased by using sequential crystallization, meanwhile, the crystallinity and molecular orientation were optimized as well, boosting the power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 6.55% to 7.78%. This work provides a novel way to finely tune the heterojunction phase separation structures.