LAUSR

Abstract We demonstrated a simple and effective processing protocol to improve the electrical conductivity of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) films via post-treatment with an alcohol-based solvent, 2-chloroethanol (2-CE), and to enhance their performance as a transparent anode in organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs). Owing to its moderate boiling point, in contrast to previously reported chemicals, 2-CE is advantageous both for handling as a liquid-phase chemical and for drying from the films via evaporation. We compared the optical and electrical properties of the 2-CE-treated PEDOT:PSS with those of standard PEDOT:PSS-based electrodes with the addition of 5 vol% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). With a similar thickness and transmittance in the visible region, the 2-CE-treated polymer electrodes outperformed the DMSO-added films with regard to the electrical conductivity (762 S cm−1 vs. 439 S cm−1). The work functions were almost identical: ∼5 eV. We fabricated and characterized organic photovoltaic devices using the anodes and polymer:fullerene blends and found that the 2-CE treatment resulted in higher device performance. Additionally, the 2-CE treatment was applicable to OPVs on a flexible plastic substrate, indicating the effectiveness of the proposed protocol.