An Unprecedented Efficiency with Approaching 21% Enabled by Additive-Assisted Layer-by-Layer Processing in Organic Solar Cells
   
   
  
 
 
 
  
   
    By
    Xu, S (Xu, Shuai) [1] ; Zhang, YD (Zhang, Youdi) [1] ; Sun, YN (Sun, Yanna) [2] ; Cheng, P (Cheng, Pei) [3] ; Yao, ZY (Yao, Zhaoyang) [4] , [5] , [6] ; Li, N (Li, Ning) [7] ; Ye, L (Ye, Long) [8] ; Zuo, LJ (Zuo, Lijian) [9] ; Gao, K (Gao, Ke) [2]
    
   
 
 
 
 
  
   
    
    
    
    
     
    
   
  
  
   Volume
17Issue
1
    
     
DOI
     10.1007/s40820-024-01529-8
    
   
 
 
 
  
Article Number
  37
 
 
  
Published
  DEC 2025
 
 
  
Indexed
  2024-10-23
 
 
  
Document Type
  Editorial Material
 
 
 
 
  Abstract
  
   
    
     Recently published in Joule, Feng Liu and colleagues from Shanghai Jiaotong University reported a record-breaking 20.8% power conversion efficiency in organic solar cells (OSCs) with an interpenetrating fibril network active layer morphology, featuring a bulk p-i-n structure and proper vertical segregation achieved through additive-assisted layer-by-layer deposition. This optimized hierarchical gradient fibrillar morphology and optical management synergistically facilitates exciton diffusion, reduces recombination losses, and enhances light capture capability. This approach not only offers a solution to achieving high-efficiency devices but also demonstrates the potential for commercial applications of OSCs.