Performance of organic photovoltaics using an ytterbium trifluoride n-type buffer layer

Ytterbium trifluoride (YbF3) was used as an n-type cathode buffer layer in conventional poly(3-hexylthiophene):[6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PC60BM) bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic photovoltaic cells. This buffer layer acts as an electron-transport layer and improves the open circuit voltage (Voc), power conversion efficiency (PCE), and interfacial durability of the device. The physical properties and performance of the device were studied using impedance spectroscopy, photocurrent measurements, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The PCE reached to 3.2% with a 65% fill factor under 1 sun irradiation. The PCE decreased to half of its original value after 120 h at room temperature in air or 24 h at 70°C in air. Comparison with Yb and TiOx cathode buffer layers reveals that YbF3 has superior performance and longevity. These findings suggest that YbF3 has the potential to replace costly device encapsulation.