Steric hindrance induced low exciton binding energy enables low-driving-force organic solar cells

Exciton binding energy(E_(b))has been regarded as a critical parameter in charge separation during photovoltaic conversion.Minimizing the E_(b) of the photovoltaic materials can facilitate the exciton dissociation in low-driving force organic solar cells(OSCs)and thus improve the power conversion efficiency(PCE);nevertheless,diminishing the E_(b) with deliberate design principles remains a significant challenge.Herein,bulky side chain as steric hindrance structure was inserted into Y-series acceptors to minimize the E_(b) by modulating the intra-and intermolecular interaction.Theoretical and experimental results indicate that steric hindrance-induced optimal intra-and intermolecular interaction can enhance molecular polarizability,promote electronic orbital overlap between molecules,and facilitate delocalized charge trans-fer pathways,thereby resulting in a low E_(b).The conspicuously reduced E_(b) obtained in Y-ChC5 with pinpoint steric hindrance modulation can minimize the detrimental effects on exciton dissociation in low-driving-force OSCs,achieving a remarkable PCE of 19.1%with over 95%internal quantum efficiency.Our study provides a new molecular design rationale to reduce the E_(b).