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A Comparative Study of the Morphology of Flow and Spin Coated P3HT:PCBM Films

Chapa Garza, Jose L

Abstract Details

2013, Master of Science in Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Polymer Engineering.
Polymer solar cells have emerged as a promising alternative energy source due to the possibility of mass production of solar panels with low cost processing techniques, like inkjet or offset printing and large area roll-to-roll manufacturing. The performance of polymer solar cells is highly dependent on the morphology of the photoactive layer blend. Previous studies focus on a variety of processing parameters to tune the morphology, like casting films from solvent mixtures, using processing additives, varying the photoactive blend composition ratio, and thermal annealing. Most studies on the field are laboratory oriented, involving fabricating polymer solar cells by spin coating multiple layers on conductive substrates. To this end, further studies on coating techniques that can be scaled for industrial manufacturing are necessary. Further, the coating technique as a processing parameter has not been investigated in detail. In the present work, thin films of the photoactive blend comprising poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and fullerene derivative [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) were fabricated by flow coating, a method with the potential to be scaled to build large area solar panels, compatible with roll-to-roll manufacturing. Films were cast from different solvents and the morphology and optical properties of P3HT:PCBM blends were characterized with optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, contact angle goniometry, and grazing incidence wide angle X-ray scattering. The applicability of flow coating as a technique for fabricating organic photovoltaic devices was evaluated by comparing the morphology of flow and spin coated films. Experimental results show that the degree of phase separation and polymer crystallinity are higher in flow coated films, as compared to spin coated films. Heating the substrate during flow coating allowed for further tuning of the blend morphology, resulting in a smaller length scale of phase separation. Depending on the solvent and coating technique used to cast the film, blend morphologies with a range of thermal stabilities are demonstrated. Results indicate that flow coating is a suitable technique for polymer solar cell fabrication.
Alamgir Karim, Dr. (Advisor)
Kevin Cavicchi, Dr. (Committee Member)
Youngjin Min, Dr. (Committee Member)

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Chapa Garza, J. L. (2013). A Comparative Study of the Morphology of Flow and Spin Coated P3HT:PCBM Films [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1374520548

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Chapa Garza, Jose. A Comparative Study of the Morphology of Flow and Spin Coated P3HT:PCBM Films. 2013. University of Akron, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1374520548.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Chapa Garza, Jose. "A Comparative Study of the Morphology of Flow and Spin Coated P3HT:PCBM Films." Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1374520548

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)