Stoichiometric dependence of TiOx as a cathode modifier on band alignment of polymer solar cells

In this study, we systematically investigated the stoichiometric dependence of titanium oxide (TiO_x, x=1.56-1.93) as a cathode modifier on the device performance of polymer solar cells. Electronic structures of the synthesized TiO_x modifier layers were controlled by tuning the compositions of various O/Ti ratios. The effective cathode work-functions and the corresponding device performances of polymer solar cells are systematically changed as a result of inserting the TiO_x modification layers. Interfacial modification of the Al cathode with a low O/Ti ratio of TiO _x layer yields the best performing photovoltaic device as a result of a largest built-in potential. The correlation of power conversion efficiencies and carrier dynamics of these devices by inserting various TiO_x modification layer is further examined by using the Mott-Schottky analysis and the impedance spectroscopy technique. The consistent result shows an enhanced carrier collection efficiency and a reduced charge recombination rate of the device via adequate band alignment between the photoactive layer and the cathode using the TiO_x modification layer with an optimized O/Ti ratio.