Elucidating the aspect of phase separation in organic blends by means of thermal analysis

A. Swinnen; J. Zhao; G. Van Assche; D. Vanderzande; M. D'Olieslaeger; J. V. Manca; B. Van Mele

doi:10.1117/12.733761

17 October 2007 Elucidating the aspect of phase separation in organic blends by means of thermal analysis

A. Swinnen, J. Zhao, G. Van Assche, D. Vanderzande, M. D'Olieslaeger, J. V. Manca, B. Van Mele

Proceedings Volume 6656, Organic Photovoltaics VIII; 665619 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.733761
Event: Photonic Devices + Applications, 2007, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Control of morphology is a key issue in order to improve the performance of organic bulk heterojunction solar cells. Solar cells consisting of a blend of regioregular P3HT (poly(3-hexylthiophene)) and PCBM ([6-6]-phenyl C₆₁ butyric acid methyl ester) have demonstrated the highest efficiencies until now (up to 5 %). This performance was achieved by applying a post-production annealing, which is considered to induce a dual crystallization behavior. In order to control and tune the morphology, the phase behavior needs to be described in terms of the underlying fundamental thermodynamics. Hence, it is essential to obtain a phase diagram of the blend. In this study, the state diagram of P3HT:PCBM blends is measured by means of standard and modulated temperature differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). For the first time, the glass transition (T_g) of PCBM could be determined. All blends evidenced a single T_g, indicating an homogeneous blend is formed. Phase separation is thus only induced from crystallization and no "intrinsic" phase separation is occurring in the blend.

Citation Download Citation

A. Swinnen, J. Zhao, G. Van Assche, D. Vanderzande, M. D'Olieslaeger, J. V. Manca, and B. Van Mele "Elucidating the aspect of phase separation in organic blends by means of thermal analysis", Proc. SPIE 6656, Organic Photovoltaics VIII, 665619 (17 October 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.733761

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