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Title: Self-Doping, O2-Stable, n-Type Interfacial Layer for Organic Electronics

Journal Article · · Advanced Energy Materials

Solid films of a water-soluble dicationic perylene diimide salt, perylene bis(2-ethyltrimethylammonium hydroxide imide), Petma{sup +}OH{sup -}, are strongly doped n-type by dehydration and reversibly de-doped by hydration. The hydrated films consist almost entirely of the neutral perylene diimide, PDI, while the dehydrated films contain {approx}50% PDI anions. The conductivity increases by five orders of magnitude upon dehydration, probably limited by film roughness, while the work function decreases by 0.74 V, consistent with an n-type doping density increase of {approx}12 orders of magnitude. Remarkably, the PDI anions are stable in dry air up to 120 C. The work function of the doped film, {phi} (3.96 V vs. vacuum), is unusually negative for an O{sub 2}-stable contact. Petma{sup +} OH{sup -} is also characterized as an interfacial layer, IFL, in two different types of organic photovoltaic cells. Results are comparable to state of the art cesium carbonate IFLs, but may improve if film morphology can be better controlled. The films are stable and reversible over many months in air and light. The mechanism of this unusual self-doping process may involve the change in relative potentials of the ions in the film caused by their deshielding and compaction as water is removed, leading to charge transfer when dry.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science, Basic Energy Science, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
1043781
Report Number(s):
NREL/JA-5900-53329; TRN: US201213%%459
Journal Information:
Advanced Energy Materials, Vol. 2, Issue 4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English