Thorough Optimization for Intrinsically Stretchable Organic Photovoltaics

Abstract

AbstractThe development of intrinsically stretchable organic photovoltaics (is‐OPVs) with a high efficiency is of significance for practical application. However, their efficiencies lag far behind those of rigid or even flexible counterparts. To address this issue, an advanced top‐illuminated OPV is designed and fabricated, which is intrinsically stretchable and has a high performance, through systematic optimizations from material to device. First, the stretchability of the active layer is largely increased by adding a low‐elastic‐modulus elastomer of styrene‐ethylene‐propylene‐styrene tri‐block copolymer (SEPS). Second, the stretchability and conductivity of the opaque electrode are enhanced by a conductive polymer/metal (denoted as M‐PH1000@Ag) composite electrode strategy. Third, the optical and electrical properties of a sliver nanowire transparent electrode are improved by a solvent vapor annealing strategy. High‐performance is‐OPVs are successfully fabricated with a top‐illuminated structure, which provides a record‐high efficiency of 16.23%. Additionally, by incorporating 5–10% elastomer, a balance between the efficiency and stretchability of the is‐OPVs is achieved. This study provides valuable insights into material and device optimizations for high‐efficiency is‐OPVs, with a low‐cost production and excellent stretchability, which indicates a high potential for future applications of OPVs.