Comparison of the morphology between the poly(3-hexylthiophene) or P3HT -  phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester or PCBM system and poly(2,5-bis(3-tetradecyllthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene) or pBTTT blended with PC71BM system is made. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) was used due to the natural scattering length density difference between the electron donor (polymer) and electron acceptor (nanoparticle) since the nanoparticle has very little hydrogen. In agreement with previous work, the pBTTT formed a co-crystal with the nanoparticle, however, after complete formation of the co-crystal macrophase separation of the nanoparticle occurred and large crystallites were formed on the film surface. Yet, the SANS results clearly indicate a very fine PC71BM network is formed that allows charge extraction. On the other hand, the P3HT system merely allows the two components to form phase separated structures throughout the film.

Comparison of the morphology developed by different polymers in polymer-based solar cells

244th National Meeting (2012)

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