When Electronically Inert Polymers Meet Conjugated Polymers: Emerging Opportunities in Organic Photovoltaics

• Published in: Chinese journal of polymer science Vol. 40; no. 8; pp. 861 - 869
• Main Authors: Wang, Jing-Jing, Ye, Long
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore Springer Nature Singapore 01.08.2022; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Additives; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Commodities; Condensed Matter Physics; Electrical properties; Electrical resistivity; Feature Article; High temperature; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Optoelectronics; Photovoltaic cells; Polymer Sciences; Polymers; Solar cells; Thermoplastic elastomers; Photovoltaic polymers; Miscibility; Insulating polymers; Organic solar cells; Morphology
• ISSN: 0256-7679; 1439-6203
• DOI: 10.1007/s10118-022-2762-9

Insulating polymers (commodity plastics in particular) are a major category of polymeric materials widely used in our daily life, but they exhibit abysmal electrical conductivity. Instead, conjugated polymers are gaining tremendous interest due to their excellent electrical properties and versatile applications in organic electronics. In this perspective, we provide a concise account of the added value in organic solar cells, as brought by the combined use of conjugated and insulating polymers. The challenging tasks and prospective directions are given to the potential benefits of employing insulating polymer additives, which spans from common commodity plastics to high-temperature resistant resins and thermoplastic elastomers. Particularly, the inert polymers can improve many important properties such as mechanical and thermal robustness but not sacrifice optoelectronic performance.