Versatile third components in organic ternary solar cells.

Organic ternary solar cells as a more simple, more powerful, more stability photovoltaic technology has been attracting more and more attention, and recently the power conversion efficiency has exceeded 18%. In order to promote the commercialization of organic photovoltaics, work mechanisms and the improvement origin should be researched more deeply. In addition, eco-compatible solvents and large-scale fabricating methods should be adopted along with the improvement of efficiency and stability. [Display omitted] • The mechanisms of organic ternary solar cells are discussed. • Various roles of the third component in the active layer are discussed. • The challenges and perspective of organic ternary solar cells are discussed. The record of power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs) is updating every day, and the value has exceeded 19% already, but it still lags behind those of commercialized inorganic solar cells. The addition of a third component not only can reduce energy loss for achieving a higher open circuit voltage (V OC), but also can enlarge the light harvesting range as well as optimize morphology for getting a higher short circuit current (J SC) and fill factor (FF). For further promoting the development of organic photovoltaic technology, this article first presents general principles of organic ternary solar cells (OTSCs), and then summarizes the recent developments of OTSCs in terms of the roles of third component. In the end, the challenges and perspectives for OTSCs are discussed. This review may provide guidance for preparing highly efficient organic ternary solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]