Using scanning probe microscopy to study the effect of molecular weight of poly(3-hexylthiophene) on the performance of poly(3-hexylthiophene):TiO2 nanorod photovoltaic devices
Journal
Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells
Journal Volume
93
Journal Issue
6-7
Pages
869-873
Date Issued
2009
Author(s)
Wu M.-C.
Lo H.-H.
Liao H.-C.
Chen S.
Lin Y.-Y.
Yen W.-C.
Zeng T.-W.
Chen Y.-F.
Chen C.-W.
Abstract
We have studied the effect of polymer molecular weight on the performance of poly(3-hexylthiophene):TiO2 hybrid photovoltaic device using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM). The atomic force microscopic studies show the nanoscale morphology of the hybrid film changes from small domain size rod-like structure to large domain nodule-like structure with increasing the molecular weight of poly(3-hexylthiophene). The studies of SNOM of hybrid film reveal that the large domain structure of the high-molecular-weight P3HT hybrid film exhibits continuous absorption mapping as opposite to the discontinuous absorption mapping of the low-molecular-weight P3HT hybrid film. Both results suggest the improvement in device efficiency from high-molecular-weight P3HT is due to the formation of large domain structure with increased carrier mobility and light harvesting. © 2008.
SDGs
Other Subjects
Atomic forces; Atomic-force microscopies; Device efficiencies; Domain sizes; High molecular weights; Hybrid films; Large domains; Light-harvesting; Low molecular weights; Microscopic studies; Nanoscale morphologies; P3HT; Photovoltaic devices; Poly (3-hexylthiophene); Polymer molecular weights; Rod-like structures; Scanning near-field optical microscopies; TiO2; Absorption; Atoms; Crystals; Molecular weight; Nanorods; Near field scanning optical microscopy; Photovoltaic effects; Scanning; Scanning probe microscopy; Weighing; Carrier mobility
Type
journal article