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Synergistic steric–dipole modulation via stepwise trifluoromethyl substitution enables active-layer hierarchical assembly and >20% power conversion efficiency in organic photovoltaic devices

delete2026-04-16
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PRE
AI
J
Jie Wang †
X
Xin Chen †
J
Jingyi Huo
J
Jiong Yang
L
Longyu Li
W
Wendi Shi
R
Ruibin Bian
W
Wenkai Zhao
G
Guankui Long
Z
Zhaoyang Yao
C
Chenxi Li
万相见 (Xiangjian Wan) *
陈永生 (Yongsheng Chen) *
DOI:10.1039/D5EE07321Adelete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Rational molecular design can effectively optimize the fineness of phase separation and vertical phase gradients of organic solar cells (OSCs); thereby boosting exciton dissociation kinetics and device efficiency. The “Cδ+–Fδ−” polarity of –CF3 promotes diverse noncovalent interactions; providing a key driving force for ordered assembly of active layer morphology. Herein; three acceptors (named CHE-nF n = 3; 6; 9) were synthesized by stepwise –CF3 functionalization of CHE-Me; progressively enhancing steric and molecular dipole effects; while continuously reducing surface energy. Research indicates that increased steric hindrance suppresses acceptor over-aggregation; thereby optimizing domain size. Enhanced dipoles strengthen donor/acceptor (D/A) interactions; shorten π–π stacking distances; accelerate exciton dissociation; and mitigate trap-assisted recombination; while minimized surface energy induces vertical phase gradients that facilitate charge transport. The steric–dipole–surface energy synergistic regulation strategy yielded an optimized morphology; delivering a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.32% (fill factor (FF) of 82.06%) for the CHE-9F device; 20.30% for the ternary device; and 16.69% for the module. This work establishes a molecular steric–dipole regulation strategy for the precise control of phase separation and vertical composition gradients in photoactive layers; providing an effective pathway for high-performance OSCs.
Keywords:
CF3 functionalization
steric–dipole regulation
phase separation
vertical phase gradient
organic solar cells

Journal

E
energy environ. sci.
IF:
0
Papers:
226
Citations:
0

Organization

N
Nankai University
Scholars:
918
Papers: 277
Citations: 6.3W
N
nankai university
Scholars:
4.6W
Papers: 3.2W
Citations: 74