Allylrhodanine-processed all-small-molecule organic solar cell achieves an 18.43% efficiency breakthrough

Researchers announced that an all-small-molecule organic solar cell processed with 3-allylrhodanine achieved a power conversion efficiency of 18.43 percent. The source text states the 3-allylrhodanine-treated MPhS-C2:N3 device reached a certified 18.16 percent efficiency, described as the highest reported for binary all-small-molecule organic solar cells. The study introduced 3-allylrhodanine as a volatile solid additive whose structure resembles the terminal group of the MPhS-C2 donor. Theoretical calculations and thin-film morphology analyses revealed the additive preferentially interacts with the acceptor N3, directing morphology evolution. The source text says 3-allylrhodanine narrows the film formation window, suppressing lateral over-aggregation and crystallization while promoting vertical donor-acceptor homogeneity. This optimized morphology facilitated efficient charge dissociation and collection and suppressed recombination. The source text notes the work shows additive efficacy is governed by balanced selective interactions rather than simplistic structural similarity. No date of announcement or publication was provided in the source text.