title: Tuning the work functions of graphene quantum dot-modified electrodes for polymer solar cell applications.
abstract: The graphene quantum dot (GQD) is a new kind of anode/cathode interlayer material for polymer solar cells (PSCs). The key requirement for a cathode interlayer (CIL) is a low work function. In this article, aiming at application as a CIL for PSCs, we report a general approach to tune the work function of GQD-modified electrodes using alkali metal cations, e.g. Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+and Cs+. For ITO electrodes modified with these GQDs containing alkali metal cations, the work function can be finely tuned within the range of 4.0-4.5 eV. Owing to their low work function, GQDs containing K+, Rb+and Cs+can be used as CILs for PSCs. Their device performance is fairly comparable to that of the state-of-the-art CIL material ZnO. This work provides a rational approach to tune the properties of GQD and to design solution-processable electrode interlayer materials for organic electronic devices.
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China. liujun@ciac.ac.cn.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China. liujun@ciac.ac.cn.
authors.forename: Z C
authors.initials: ZC
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, P. R. China. tti666@163.com.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tong
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China. liujun@ciac.ac.cn.
authors.forename: J
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1487-0069
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Liu