Mechanisms of the improved organic photovoltaic performance by using electron-transporting CuPc derivative as anode modifying layer

► F16CuPc layer is adopted as the anode buffer layer for organic photovoltaic cells. ► Enhanced PCE and working lifetime are observed in the cells. ► The working mechanisms of the F16CuPc anode buffer layer is investigated. ► Increased crystalline of CuPc is found when deposited on F16CuPc. ► The increased lifetime is attributed to the reduced reactive −O● species in organic layers.