Roles of Interfacial Modifiers in Inorganic Titania/Organic Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Heterojunction Hybrid Solar Cells

Hybrid Titanium dioxide/Poly(3-hexylthiophene) heterojunction solar cells have gained research interest as they have the potential to become cost-effective solar technology in the future. Limited power conversion efficiencies of about 5–6% have been reported so far, and an enhancement in efficiency was achieved through the engineering of the interface between Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT). Evolution of this solar cell technology is relatively slow-moving due to the complex features of the metal oxide-polymer system and the limited understanding of the technology. In this review, we focus on recent developments in interface modified hybrid Titanium dioxide/Poly(3-hexylthiophene) solar cells, provide a short discussion on the working principle, device structure with interface modifiers, and summarize various types of interface modifiers studied to enhance the photovoltaic performance of hybrid TiO2/P3HT heterojunction solar cells. Further, we discuss the key factors influencing the power conversion efficiency and the role of a variety of interface modifiers in this regard. Finally, the challenges and perspectives related to hybrid TiO2/P3HT heterojunction solar cells are also explored.


Introduction
Molecular electronic materials, such as dyes, conjugated polymers, and small molecules, are gaining much interest for applications in photovoltaics [1,2]. In this regard, the organic photovoltaics (OPVs) have attracted much attention due to their features such as low cost, flexibility, ease of fabrication, and large field of application areas [3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. In particular, hybrid and dye synthesized solar cells are the main focus in the field of OPVs [10][11][12][13]. Hybrid polymer/nanocrystalline solar cells are good and effective model systems to analyze nanostructured solar cell technologies. With fewer junctions compared to other OPVs, a small alteration in the material structures will result in vast variations in the performance parameters. Therefore, these hybrid solar cells are one of best model structures to study the performance of new dyes, perovskite materials, surface modifiers, and dopants. Herein, we have focused on recent enhancements in interface modifications carried out to enhance the efficiency of hybrid Titanium dioxide/Poly(3-hexylthiophene) solar cells.
The blend of conjugated polymers with nanostructured metal oxides represent promising candidates for hybrid solar cells since these exhibit high solar energy conversion with low cost [14][15][16]. Typically, hybrid solar cells are made up of a combination of both inorganic and organic materials [17][18][19]. They consist of a conjugated polymer as an electron Nanomaterials 2022, 12, 820 3 of 18 should have high charge carrier mobility, should be easy to synthesis, and should be low cost and environmentally friendly. Moreover, they should have good electronic, photoconducting, and luminescent properties. Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) satisfies all the above requirements as an efficient photoelectrode compared to other semiconductors, such as ZnO, CdS, CdSe, CdTe, PbS, PbSe, Sb 2 S 3 Cu 2 ZnSnSe 4 , Ag 2 S, AgInS 2 , etc., which were used in these hybrid solar cells [4,[42][43][44][45]. TiO 2 is a chemically stable, non-toxic, low cost material that provides controllable morphology and is available in large quantities [46][47][48][49][50][51]. It mainly exists in three different forms as rutile, anatase, and brookite [52,53].
In past decades, various polymer materials have been used in hybrid metal oxide polymer solar cells. Subsequently, they belong to two major types of polymers and their derivatives of Polythiophene (PT) and Poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV). These polymers are promising for light-harvesting with a wider spectral band and it absorbs the solar radiation up to 650 nm. The polymer donor should have a small bandgap, enhanced packing structure, and high hole mobility in order to obtain an enhanced PCE of the device. The proximity of the LUMO energy of the polymer donor and the CB energy of metal oxide acceptor encourages electron transfer. Among other polymer donors reported in the literature, the homopolymer Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) has been gaining much attraction due to its regular end-to-end packing arrangement of the side chain, which allows efficient π-π stacking of the conjugated backbones [54][55][56]. The high molecular weight with ultra-high purity and good chemical stability, higher hole mobility, and low optical band gap (1.8 eV) of P3HT are optimized for usages in the organic photovoltaic research and OPV devices [56][57][58][59][60]. P3HT has been extensively used as a semiconducting layer in organic thin-film, field-effect transistors (FETs), and solar cells.
Hybrid metal oxide/polymer solar cells provide the potential to study the science and to take the advantage of both TiO 2 and P3HT as combined nanocomposites. This leads to combined spectral absorption of both TiO 2 and P3HT in order to enhance the lightharvesting and carrier generation [23]. Subsequently, the dissociation of excited electrons takes place at the TiO 2 /P3HT interface. As discussed earlier, the charge recombination needs to be reduced with increased electron dissociation and charge separation. In order to facilitate proper electron dissociation and charge separation, interface engineering has been carried out between TiO 2 and P3HT nanocomposite, and several proven strategies were reported in interface modified Hybrid TiO 2 /P3HT solar cells. Namely, a range of novel organic and inorganic materials, such as self-assembled monolayers, carbonaceous materials, inorganic insulating layers, and small molecule sensitizers, was reported in order to improve the TiO 2 /P3HT interface [13]. However, it has to be emphasized that there are still many ways to enhance the performances of hybrid TiO 2 /P3HT photovoltaic devices. A well-oriented hybrid TiO 2 /P3HT nanocomposite design with suitable interface modification will be one of the promising ways to produce enhanced hybrid TiO 2 /P3HT photovoltaic devices.
This review focuses on the recent progress witnessed in the field of hybrid Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 )/Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) heterojunction solar cells mainly from the point of interface engineering. Therefore, for the benefit of completeness, we briefly describe the working mechanism of the proposed device structure with interface modifiers in Titania based hybrid polymer/nanocrystalline solar cells. By comparing various strategies and different types of interface modifiers with proposed nanostructures, we summarize the key factors influencing the photovoltaic power conversion efficiency and other relative photovoltaic parameters of hybrid TiO 2 /P3HT solar cells. Further, we briefly discuss different organic and inorganic interface modifiers and their role. Finally, we outline the challenges and perspectives for future improvements related to the realization of highly efficient hybrid solar cells.
The graphical representation of the working principle of a metal oxide/polymer hybrid solar cell under short circuit conditions [39,61] is shown in Figure 1, and it has six major steps. The step numbers represent as (1) light absorption (η a ) and exciton creation (η ex ) (a photon with an energy hν ≥ E g of polymer donor will absorbed), (2) diffusion of the exciton to the interface between the metal oxide and polymer (η di f f ), (3) electron-hole pair dissociation into free charge carriers (η ed ), (4) charge transport (η tr ), (5) recombination of charge, and (6) charge collection (η cc ). the challenges and perspectives for future improvements related to the realizatio highly efficient hybrid solar cells.
The graphical representation of the working principle of a metal oxide/polyme brid solar cell under short circuit conditions [39,61] is shown in Figure 1, and it ha major steps. The step numbers represent as (1) light absorption (ɳ ) and exciton cre (ɳ ) (a photon with an energy ℎ ≥ of polymer donor will absorbed), (2) diffusi the exciton to the interface between the metal oxide and polymer (ɳ ), (3) electron pair dissociation into free charge carriers (ɳ ), (4) charge transport (ɳ ), (5) recom tion of charge, and (6) charge collection (ɳ ).
Upon the solar illumination, the photon energy will be absorbed by the active of the solar cells and it generates electron-hole pairs as excitons [62]. Thereafter, the and excited electrons need to be transported towards the anode and cathode electr respectively through their corresponding percolation pathways in order to have cu flow through the fabricated solar cells. As illustrated, the donor material creates the ton by absorbing the photon energy from the sunlight and allows the electron to be ex to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbit (LUMO) by leaving a hole from the highe cupied molecular orbit (HOMO). Next, the excited electron is dissociated from the LU level and transported to the conduction band (CB) of the acceptor material. The differ in the energy levels of CB and HOMO should be well matched to avoid recombina This will lead to good charge collection through the anode and cathode [28]. Furthe percentage of the number of charge carriers collected at the electrode with the numb incident photons under short-circuit condition determines the external quantum ciency (EQE) of the solar cells. The involvement of each of the six steps of the above m anism highly influences the EQE of fabricated hybrid solar cells. Figure 2 illustrates the proposed model of the device structure for nanoparticle b TiO2/P3HT hybrid solar cells and their two major varieties of interface modifications transparent conducting electrode is crucial for a solar cell in order to transmit the inc light through itself to photon absorbing layers. The overall nanocomposite o TiO2/P3HT hybrid solar cell is very thin, about one micrometer. Therefore, the P3HT easily penetrate through TiO2 and overpenetration of P3HT may lead to contact wit transparent conductive electrode, and thus the junction of fabricated solar cells will tion as a line but not as the solar cell. On this occasion, the compact semiconducting Upon the solar illumination, the photon energy will be absorbed by the active layer of the solar cells and it generates electron-hole pairs as excitons [62]. Thereafter, the holes and excited electrons need to be transported towards the anode and cathode electrodes respectively through their corresponding percolation pathways in order to have current flow through the fabricated solar cells. As illustrated, the donor material creates the exciton by absorbing the photon energy from the sunlight and allows the electron to be excited to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbit (LUMO) by leaving a hole from the highest occupied molecular orbit (HOMO). Next, the excited electron is dissociated from the LUMO level and transported to the conduction band (CB) of the acceptor material. The difference in the energy levels of CB and HOMO should be well matched to avoid recombination. This will lead to good charge collection through the anode and cathode [28]. Further, the percentage of the number of charge carriers collected at the electrode with the number of incident photons under short-circuit condition determines the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of the solar cells. The involvement of each of the six steps of the above mechanism highly influences the EQE of fabricated hybrid solar cells. Figure 2 illustrates the proposed model of the device structure for nanoparticle based TiO 2 /P3HT hybrid solar cells and their two major varieties of interface modifications. The transparent conducting electrode is crucial for a solar cell in order to transmit the incident light through itself to photon absorbing layers. The overall nanocomposite of the TiO 2 /P3HT hybrid solar cell is very thin, about one micrometer. Therefore, the P3HT can easily penetrate through TiO 2 and overpenetration of P3HT may lead to contact with the transparent conductive electrode, and thus the junction of fabricated solar cells will function as a line but not as the solar cell. On this occasion, the compact semiconducting layer can act as a barrier in order to prevent the contact between P3HT and transparent conductive electrodes. can act as a barrier in order to prevent the contact between P3HT and transparent conductive electrodes.  Figure 2a represents the TiO2 nanoparticle based mesoporous structure and P3HT nanocomposite without any interface modification. In past decades, there have been several inorganic and organic interface modifiers studied for TiO2/P3HT hybrid solar cells. However, all these interface modifiers can be specified in to two major groups, namely insulating layers and absorbing materials. Figure 2b,c represent the device structures for TiO2 nanoparticle based mesoporous and P3HT nanocomposite with insulating layers and small molecule based absorbing materials, respectively.
In this review, we have summarized the recent progress made and tactics used in interface modified hybrid TiO2/P3HT solar cells with a range of novel organic and inorganic materials, such as self-assembled monolayers, carbonaceous materials, inorganic insulating layers, and small molecule sensitizers. Further, we have summarized our review through Tables below based on the type of interface modifier and each table is divided into four columns in order to represent the device structure to indicate where the interface modifier is used, the role of interface modification or function of interface modifier on the photovoltaic performance, resultant energy conversion efficiency, and source of reference. The essence of this analysis will be of interest for researchers in order to understand the nanostructure of hybrid Tatiana based Poly(3-hexylthiophene) heterojunction solar cells. Furthermore, the analyzed parameters and findings will also be useful for direct implementations in hybrid perovskite solar cells and DSSCs.

Photovoltaic Performances
The cost-efficient hybrid polymer/nanocrystalline solar cells are promising models to study the effects of interfacial properties and film morphology on the performance of nanostructured solar cells [63]. They provide a valuable understanding of the chargetransfer processes at the donor-acceptor interface. Moreover, expertise gained with hybrid systems has proven to be valuable in improving the performance of all organic based solar cells as well as perovskite solar cells. In this Titanium dioxide (TiO2)/Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) hybrid structure, the controllable morphological nature of nanoscale Titanium dioxide provides a stable and transparent network for free carrier transport. The thiophene rich P3HT is one of the promising polymer materials with higher hole-mobility to build hybrid nanostructured solar cells with TiO2. Although this system provides several advantages, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of this hybrid structure is highly influenced by interfacial recombination. However, the interfacial recombination could be reduced by employing interface modifiers and hence enhance the overall PCE of the solar  Figure 2a represents the TiO 2 nanoparticle based mesoporous structure and P3HT nanocomposite without any interface modification. In past decades, there have been several inorganic and organic interface modifiers studied for TiO 2 /P3HT hybrid solar cells. However, all these interface modifiers can be specified in to two major groups, namely insulating layers and absorbing materials. Figure 2b,c represent the device structures for TiO 2 nanoparticle based mesoporous and P3HT nanocomposite with insulating layers and small molecule based absorbing materials, respectively.
In this review, we have summarized the recent progress made and tactics used in interface modified hybrid TiO 2 /P3HT solar cells with a range of novel organic and inorganic materials, such as self-assembled monolayers, carbonaceous materials, inorganic insulating layers, and small molecule sensitizers. Further, we have summarized our review through Tables below based on the type of interface modifier and each table is divided into four columns in order to represent the device structure to indicate where the interface modifier is used, the role of interface modification or function of interface modifier on the photovoltaic performance, resultant energy conversion efficiency, and source of reference. The essence of this analysis will be of interest for researchers in order to understand the nanostructure of hybrid Tatiana based Poly(3-hexylthiophene) heterojunction solar cells. Furthermore, the analyzed parameters and findings will also be useful for direct implementations in hybrid perovskite solar cells and DSSCs.

Photovoltaic Performances
The cost-efficient hybrid polymer/nanocrystalline solar cells are promising models to study the effects of interfacial properties and film morphology on the performance of nanostructured solar cells [63]. They provide a valuable understanding of the charge-transfer processes at the donor-acceptor interface. Moreover, expertise gained with hybrid systems has proven to be valuable in improving the performance of all organic based solar cells as well as perovskite solar cells. In this Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 )/Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) hybrid structure, the controllable morphological nature of nanoscale Titanium dioxide provides a stable and transparent network for free carrier transport. The thiophene rich P3HT is one of the promising polymer materials with higher hole-mobility to build hybrid nanostructured solar cells with TiO 2 . Although this system provides several advantages, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of this hybrid structure is highly influenced by interfacial recombination. However, the interfacial recombination could be reduced by employing interface modifiers and hence enhance the overall PCE of the solar cells. In the literature, four major categories of interface modifiers, namely self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), inorganic insulating/semiconducting layers, carbonaceous materials, and dye molecules, have been studied in hybrid TiO 2 /P3HT solar cells.

Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAMs) as Interface Modifiers
Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are ordered arrays of organic molecules formed by the spontaneous absorption onto the TiO 2 surface. The molecules or ligands that form SAMs are chemically functionalized in order to have a higher affinity to the surface. Various self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) reported in the literature are summarized in Table 1.
Here, the different device structures studied and the effect of interface modifiers on the PV performance are discussed. Not reported [68] The photovoltaic performance summarized in Table 1 evidenced that the interface modification in nanostructured solar cells with SAMs improves the overall performance of the solar cells [69][70][71] due to the increased tunneling probability which is attributed to reduced effective barrier, and also due to the induced dipole at the donor-acceptor interface which realigns the energy level [72]. Figure 3 explains this behavior by comparing 4-Nitro Benzoic Acid (NBA) and 4-Methoxy Benzoic Acid (MBA). The electron accepting NO 2 group of NBA leads to a dipole moment pointing towards the TiO 2 surface. Thus, the work function of TiO 2 was raised. The electron donor, methoxy group of MBA leads a dipole moment pointing away from the TiO 2 surface, thus reducing the work function of TiO 2 [14]. In such a way, SAMs are involved in the shifting of the TiO 2 conduction band Nanomaterials 2022, 12, 820 7 of 18 position relative to the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level of P3HT. This behavior highly influences the interfacial charge separation; thus, the current density (J SC ) was increased. Furthermore, the proper additives of SAMs and the polymer annealing temperature are the crucial factors to enhance the wettability of TiO 2 and the V OC of fabricated solar cells. interface which realigns the energy level [72]. Figure 3 explains this behavior comparing 4-Nitro Benzoic Acid (NBA) and 4-Methoxy Benzoic Acid (MBA). The elect accepting NO2 group of NBA leads to a dipole moment pointing towards the TiO2 surfa Thus, the work function of TiO2 was raised. The electron donor, methoxy group of M leads a dipole moment pointing away from the TiO2 surface, thus reducing the w function of TiO2 [14]. In such a way, SAMs are involved in the shifting of the T conduction band position relative to the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) le of P3HT. This behavior highly influences the interfacial charge separation; thus, current density (JSC) was increased. Furthermore, the proper additives of SAMs and polymer annealing temperature are the crucial factors to enhance the wettability of T and the VOC of fabricated solar cells. As depicted in Figure 4, the NBA treated TiO2/P3HT solar cell showed almost a fac of two increment in the JSC and slightly improved VOC whereas the MBA treated exhibited significant improvement in VOC. The insertion of SAMs at the TiO2/P3 interface creates a barrier for back electron transfer (recombination), and, thus, it facilita a driving force for electron transfer from polymer to TiO2. This driving force is eviden  [14]. Figures (a,b) are energy band diagrams for energy level shifting of NBA and MBA treated devices, respectively.
As depicted in Figure 4, the NBA treated TiO 2 /P3HT solar cell showed almost a factor of two increment in the J SC and slightly improved V OC whereas the MBA treated cell exhibited significant improvement in V OC . The insertion of SAMs at the TiO 2 /P3HT interface creates a barrier for back electron transfer (recombination), and, thus, it facilitates a driving force for electron transfer from polymer to TiO 2 . This driving force is evidenced with an increase of the resulting open circuit voltage (V OC ) of fabricated devices. In addition to the energy level alignment at the interface, the molecular orbital of the SAM molecule forms an electronic state at the interface to mediate forward charge transfer or prompt interfacial charge recombination. Further, SAMs can be used to improve adhesion, wettability, compatibility, and charge transfer properties at the interface to reduce interfacial charge recombination [73].

Inorganic Insulating/Semiconducting Layers as Interface Modifiers
Interface modification has also been carried out in hybrid Titanium dioxide/Poly(3hexylthiophene) heterojunction solar cells using inorganic insulating/semiconducting layers. Table 2 summarizes the work reported in the literature with the inorganic

Inorganic Insulating/Semiconducting Layers as Interface Modifiers
Interface modification has also been carried out in hybrid Titanium dioxide/Poly(3hexylthiophene) heterojunction solar cells using inorganic insulating/semiconducting layers. Table 2 summarizes the work reported in the literature with the inorganic insulating/semiconducting layers and their influence on photovoltaic performance. CdS modification enhance the PCE due to increased J sc and V oc . CdS layer enhances exciton dissociation and prohibits carrier recombination at the heterojunction, and act as a light absorber at the wavelength around 400 nm. 0.60 [31] The charge transportation at the TiO 2 /P3HT interface is much faster than carrier recombination. In this regard, the deposition of a large band gap owned inorganic insulating thin layer on top of the TiO 2 surface is a promising modification in order to control carrier recombination by acting as a kinetic barrier at the TiO 2 /P3HT interface [73,74]. The reduced recombination is seen to directly influence the enhancement of J SC and V OC of the solar cells.
Loheeswaran et al. reported the photovoltage transients of the TiO 2 /P3HT devices in the presence of Al 2 O 3 as an interlayer [73]. The lifetimes of the decays were reported as 0.07 ms and 0.5 ms for the control TiO 2 /P3HT and interface modified TiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 /P3HT devices, respectively. This result evidenced that the interfacial recombination at the TiO 2 /P3HT interface is controlled by the interlayering of Al 2 O 3 . Thus, the overall efficiency increased.
Moreover, the improved electronic conductivity and enhanced crystallinity of TiO 2 morphology and enhanced spectral response of the inorganic insulator material provide further support to enhance the PCE through proper charge collection of the fabricated solar cell. However, most of these inorganic insulators do not participate in carrier generation. This is a primary downside of these materials when they are employed with absorbing polymers like P3HT.
The insertion of a semiconducting CdS layer at the TiO 2 /P3HT interface broadens the spectral response as in Figure 5a and controls recombination kinetics as in Figure 5b [79]. Therefore, the overall efficiency was improved by a factor of three. In this study, semiconducting CdS play a dual role, as interface modifier and co-sensitizer in the hybrid TiO 2 /polymer solar cells.
generation. This is a primary downside of these materials when they are employed with absorbing polymers like P3HT.
The insertion of a semiconducting CdS layer at the TiO2/P3HT interface broadens the spectral response as in Figure 5a and controls recombination kinetics as in Figure 5b [79]. Therefore, the overall efficiency was improved by a factor of three. In this study, semiconducting CdS play a dual role, as interface modifier and co-sensitizer in the hybrid TiO2/polymer solar cells.

Carbonaceous Materials as Interface Modifiers
There are several carbonaceous materials employed as an interface modifier in hybrid solar cells. Carbon nanotube (CNT) is one of the promising carbonaceous materials that can be used as an interface modifier for hybrid polymer solar cells due to its interesting optoelectronic properties [80]. The recent progress in insertion of carbonaceous materials at the TiO2/P3HT interface were analyzed and summarized in Table 3. Carbonaceous materials like multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have enhanced number of percolation routes for charge transportation. MWNT incorporating TiO2 suppress recombination due to the fast charge transfer through its percolated networks while reducing the electron losses [81]. The proper charge transport at the interface results in enhancement of hole-mobility of the overall nanocomposite and in increase in current density. The surface roughness of MWNT coated TiO2 electrodes facilitates the deposition of well-aligned P3HT chains around MWNT due to π-π interaction. However, the increased MWNT wt% could lead to a reduction in the fill factor and VOC, which is probably due to the shunting by the excess amount of MWNTs.

Carbonaceous Materials as Interface Modifiers
There are several carbonaceous materials employed as an interface modifier in hybrid solar cells. Carbon nanotube (CNT) is one of the promising carbonaceous materials that can be used as an interface modifier for hybrid polymer solar cells due to its interesting optoelectronic properties [80]. The recent progress in insertion of carbonaceous materials at the TiO 2 /P3HT interface were analyzed and summarized in Table 3. Carbonaceous materials like multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have enhanced number of percolation routes for charge transportation. MWNT incorporating TiO 2 suppress recombination due to the fast charge transfer through its percolated networks while reducing the electron losses [81]. The proper charge transport at the interface results in enhancement of holemobility of the overall nanocomposite and in increase in current density. The surface roughness of MWNT coated TiO 2 electrodes facilitates the deposition of well-aligned P3HT chains around MWNT due to π-π interaction. However, the increased MWNT wt% could lead to a reduction in the fill factor and V OC , which is probably due to the shunting by the excess amount of MWNTs.

Small Molecule Sensitizers as Interface Modifiers
The insertion of small molecule sensitizers at the TiO 2 /P3HT interface is analyzed and summarized in Table 4. The most common small molecule sensitizers are organic dyes. The cis-Bis(isothiocyanato)(2,2 -bipyridyl-4,4 -dicarboxylato)(4,4 -di-nonyl-2 -bipyridyl) ruthenium(II) (Z907), Di-tetrabutylammoniumcis-bis(isothiocyanato)bis ( Figure 6 depicts the schematic representation for how the small molecule sensitizers can influence the polymer arrangement in HSCs. They are accomplished as a "bridge" to enrich the exciton dissociation, prevent charge recombination, and enhance the electron lifetime. Dye molecules are the small structures that can easily bind with TiO 2 structures and their pore filling nature improves the interfacial area between TiO 2 and P3HT [75]. The pore-filling and proper contact between TiO 2 and dye molecules can be achieved by the TiO 2 surface modifications with TiCl 4 , Li-TFSI, H-TFSI, and TBP molecules. Such suitable surface treatments surge the fraction of pore filling, Fermi level shifting of TiO 2 , and the charge conductivity of fabricated HSCs. Further, TiO 2 induces polymer disorder mainly at a few nanometers away from the TiO 2 /P3HT interface. In this manner, the surface modification takes place with a huge influence on the molecular arrangement in HSCs. Table 4. Small molecule sensitizers as interfacial modifiers in hybrid Titanium dioxide/Poly(3hexylthiophene) heterojunction solar cells.

Device Structure
The Function of Interface Modifier on Photovoltaic Performance η% Ref.

TiO 2 /BT5 oligomer/P3HT
• Interlayers act as a physical spacer between the electron on the inorganic acceptor and the hole on the organic donor.

•
The electron affinity offset between donor and acceptor should be maximized to enhance the exciton dissociation efficiency. • Thiophene end groups of WL-4 improves the mutual compatibility between TiO 2 and P3HT.

•
Presence of strong electron withdrawing -CN moiety neighboring to the -COOH anchoring group facilitates a molecular dipole directing away from the TiO 2 surface, and enhances the electron affinity of the molecules, simultaneously enhances the J sc and V oc 2.87 [86] TiO 2 /carboxylated oligothiophene/P3HT Addition of carboxylated oligothiophenes enhanced surface coverage and improved interfacial interactions. 0.11 [87] TiO 2 /Z907/P3HT/PEDOT:PSS

•
The hydrophilic metal-oxide surface modified with a monolayer of Z907 molecules facilitates the hydrophobic surface to the polymer and results in improved compatibility with the polymer. It leads to increased polymer infiltration and therefore enhancement in J SC . • Pre-soaking of the polymer assists proper infiltration into the nanoporous layer. 0.53 [88]  • H-TFSI additive quenches photocurrent generation from excitation of P3HT, but facilitates very effective charge extraction upon excitation of the oligothiophene.

•
The effect of the conjugation length of dye has been studied. The exciton binding energy was reduced by increasing the thiophene chain length. The short chain length owning 1T builds a barrier for charge collection from the P3HT, whereas lengthy chain length owning 5T failed to well inject into TiO 2 . • Both oligothiophenes anchored on TiO 2 and P3HT are involved in photocurrent generation. Further, the porosity of spin-coated TiO 2 prompted an efficient exciton harvesting from the donors/dyes. The higher hydrophobic nature of the interface modifier is much compatible to work with P3HT which leads to result in reduced recombination, improved exciton splitting, and charge separation at the TiO 2 /P3HT interface. The hydrophilic metaloxide surface modified with a monolayer of dye molecules facilitates a hydrophobic surface on the polymer. Thus, the compatibility was enhanced. This leads to increased polymer infiltration and therefore enhancement of J SC . Further, the interfacial characteristics can be tailored by balanced dipole effects through the integration of different morphologies, such as TiO 2 -NPs, TiO 2 -QDs, TiO 2 -NRs, TiO 2 -NWs, and TiO 2 -NCs with suitable dyes at the heterojunction interface [48,92]. modifications with TiCl4, Li-TFSI, H-TFSI, and TBP molecules. Suc treatments surge the fraction of pore filling, Fermi level shifting of Ti conductivity of fabricated HSCs. Further, TiO2 induces polymer disord nanometers away from the TiO2/P3HT interface. In this manner, the su takes place with a huge influence on the molecular arrangement in HS   Apart from these morphological structures of TiO 2 metal oxides, the molar extinction coefficient, spectral response in the UV region, and functional groups of dye material take the dominant role in the overall carrier generation of HSCs. Higher molar extinction coefficients with wide spectra owned dyes are the most promising sensitizers to work with TiO 2 and P3HT. In this regard, ruthenium based and thiophene units-based dyes are highly studied in HSCs. Their -COOH anchoring group and tail-like structure of thiophene units can easily penetrate into the mesoporous structures, thus the surface coverage and interfacial interactions will be prompted [30]. The presence of strong electron withdrawing moieties neighboring to the -COOH anchoring group facilitates a molecular dipole directing away from the TiO 2 surface and enhances the electron affinity of the molecules, and simultaneously J SC and V OC [94,96]. Highly enhanced surface coverage and improved interfacial interactions have been reported with the addition of thiophene base molecules rather than -COOH anchoring groups. Moreover, a proper conjugation length of the dye should be used to have enhanced charge generation and collection. Excess conjugation length may discard the interface. The exciton binding energy is reduced by increasing the thiophene chain length. In such cases, the lower conjugation length of dye creates a barrier for charge collection from the P3HT, whereas the highest conjugation length of dyes cannot effectively inject into the TiO 2 nanostructure. In addition to TiO 2 nanostructures and dye molecules, the deposition of P3HT is highly concerned. Pre-soaking of dyed TiO 2 electrodes in P3HT solution prior to the P3HT deposition assists proper infiltration into the nanoporous layer. The combined use of copolymers and additives with P3HT may effectively modulate further enhancement of interfacial interactions between the TiO 2 and P3HT nanocomposite. On this aspect, recently, both hexyl-substituted thiophene ring based 4T dye and P3HT were employed in titania based HSC along with lithium component as dopant for P3HT, and a high J SC of 13 mA/cm 2 with highest PCE of 3.95% in dye modified HSCs was reported [95]. This enhanced performance is probably due to the increased charge transport and betterment of light harvesting properties of Lithium doped P3HT along with 4T interface modifier at TiO 2 /doped P3HT interface (Figure 7). thiophene ring based 4T dye and P3HT were employed in titania based HSC along with lithium component as dopant for P3HT, and a high of 13 mA/cm 2 with highest PCE of 3.95% in dye modified HSCs was reported [95]. This enhanced performance is probably due to the increased charge transport and betterment of light harvesting properties of Lithium doped P3HT along with 4T interface modifier at TiO2/doped P3HT interface (Figure 7).

Summary and Perspectives
In this review, we have focused on the recent progress made and tactics adopted in enhancing the performance of hybrid TiO2/P3HT solar cells through interface modifications by employing a range of novel organic and inorganic materials, such as self-assembled monolayers, carbonaceous materials, inorganic insulating layers, and small molecule sensitizers.
It is observed that TiO2 induces polymer disorder mainly at the first few nanometers away from the TiO2/P3HT interface. Surface modification seems to have a huge influence on the molecular arrangement in HSCs and their performance. A combined study of charge separation, the recombination mechanism, and the polymer disorder will be essential to enhance the PCE of hybrid solar cells. Interlayers can act as a physical spacer between the electron on the inorganic acceptor and the hole on the organic donor. Further, they maximize the electron affinity offset between acceptor and donor in order to promote the exciton dissociation. In summary, the PCE of the HSCs are shown to be highly influenced by the interface modification compared to the crystallinity effect of the TiO2 nanostructures. The induced hole transportation and absorption properties of polymer through suitable dopants serve as a backbone for the further enhancement of PCE in interface modified HSC. The combined use of copolymers and additives with P3HT can effectively modulate further enhancement of interfacial interactions between the TiO2 and

Summary and Perspectives
In this review, we have focused on the recent progress made and tactics adopted in enhancing the performance of hybrid TiO 2 /P3HT solar cells through interface modifications by employing a range of novel organic and inorganic materials, such as self-assembled monolayers, carbonaceous materials, inorganic insulating layers, and small molecule sensitizers.
It is observed that TiO 2 induces polymer disorder mainly at the first few nanometers away from the TiO 2 /P3HT interface. Surface modification seems to have a huge influence on the molecular arrangement in HSCs and their performance. A combined study of charge separation, the recombination mechanism, and the polymer disorder will be essential to enhance the PCE of hybrid solar cells. Interlayers can act as a physical spacer between the electron on the inorganic acceptor and the hole on the organic donor. Further, they maximize the electron affinity offset between acceptor and donor in order to promote the exciton dissociation. In summary, the PCE of the HSCs are shown to be highly influenced by the interface modification compared to the crystallinity effect of the TiO 2 nanostructures. The induced hole transportation and absorption properties of polymer through suitable dopants serve as a backbone for the further enhancement of PCE in interface modified HSC. The combined use of copolymers and additives with P3HT can effectively modulate further enhancement of interfacial interactions between the TiO 2 and P3HT nanocomposite. The usage of electron rich hexyl-substituted thiophene ring based dyes with P3HT can support better compatibility, high charge transport, and improved light harvesting properties of titania based HSCs. The proper interface modifications with a well-optimized fabrication technique enhance the performance of HSCs and will contribute to studying the principles of the science behind organic photovoltaics.

Conflicts of Interest:
The authors declare no conflict of interest.