Comparison of Hybrid Blends for Solar Cell Application

Abstract

Abstract:In blended hybrid systems distinct micro-or nanostructured materials can be formed by phase separation. Network structures of particles or rods in a polymer matrix can be developed via self-assembly. We use this blending approach to compare active materials for application in solar cell devices. Blends were fabricated from either poly(hexylthiophene) P3HT or poly(triphenylamine) PTPA mixed with nanocrystalline TiO 2 rods. In this manner, we compare two different hole conducting polymers in their performance in photovoltaic devices, while experimental conditions are kept identical. We find that the choice of solvent and photovoltaic characterization conducted in inert atmosphere is of importance for blends prepared from P3HT/TiO 2 blends, but not for PTPA/TiO 2 blends. Even though prepared with the same TiO 2 rods, solar cells prepared from PTPA blends showed an enhanced efficiency when measured under ambient conditions. Furthermore, the PTPA/TiO 2 showed higher long-term stability. OPEN ACCESSEnergies 2010, 3 302

Investigating morphology and electronic properties of self-assembled hybrid systems for solar cells

“…All cells were measured and prepared under ambient conditions, since PTPA shows an enhanced efficiency when measured in air as reported elsewhere. 16 Functional films onto the crystalline TiO 2 barrier layer (layer thicknesses 1-2 mm Fig. 4, right).…”

Photo-Anodic Polymerization of Pyrrole on Nanoclustered Tio2 from Hydrothermal One-Step on Pure Ti

“…Early device fabrication process via blending nanostructured TiO 2 with the conducting polymer leads to random hybrid p-n structures, which inevitably causes phase separation due to interface incompatibility under thermal or electrical stress 10,11 . As a result, research interest has been aroused in improving the interfacial bonding strength.…”

“…For example, a selfassembly strategy was introduced to anchor carboxylated polythiophene onto the surface of TiO 2 by carboxylic groups 10 , which enhanced the charge separation efficiency to a large extent. Another strategy focused on in situ polymerization inside the TiO 2 nanotubes to improve interface contact quality and coverage 11,12 . Recently, photoexcitation assisted in-situ polymerization of pyrrole on TiO 2 has aroused intense research interest 9,[13][14][15] , and this paper will polymerize pyrrole which constitutes p-n bulk hetero-junction with TiO 2 nanoclusters for application in solar cells.…”

Effect of TiO₂ Nanofillers on Mechanical Properties of PVC/ENR/TiO₂ Nanocomposites

“…Apart from that, feasibility studies on TiO 2 nanofillers addition in single matrix were also been carried out. The several works have proved that TiO 2 fillers exhibits apparent roles in influencing the morphologies and mechanical properties of polymer blends and their application in single polymer matrix and in advance materials of composites [6][7][8]. Significantly enhanced properties at low loadings are the major advantages of TiO 2 nanoparticles over other fillers.…”