[70]PCBM and Incompletely Separated Grades of Methanofullerenes Produce Bulk Heterojunctions with Increased Robustness for Ultra-Flexible and Stretchable Electronics

An organic solar cell based on a bulk heterojunction (BHJ) of a polymer and a methanofullerene ([60]PCBM or [70]PCBM) exhibits a complex morphology that controls both its photovoltaic and mechanical compliance (robustness, flexibility, and stretchability). Methanofullerenes are excellent electron acceptors; however, they have relatively high cost and production energy (in the purest samples) compared to other small-molecule semiconductors. Moreover, [60]PCBM and [70]PCBM—typical of van der Waals solids—can be stiff and brittle. Stiffness and brittleness may lower the yield of working modules in roll-to-roll manufacturing, shorten the lifetime against mechanical failure in outdoor conditions, and jeopardize wearable and portable applications that demand stretchability or extreme flexibility. This paper tests the hypothesis that “technical grade” PCBM (incompletely separated but otherwise pure blends containing ≥ 90% [60]PCBM or [70]PCBM) could lower the cost of manufacturing organic solar cells while simul...

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