Modulating phase segregation during spin-casting of fullerene-based polymer solar-cell thin films upon minor addition of a high-boiling co-solvent.

ABSTRACT: The impact of additives on the nanoscale structures of spin-cast polymer composite films, particularly in polymer solar cells, is a topic of significant interest. This study focuses on the blend film comprising poly(thieno[3,4-b]thio-phene-alt-benzodi-thio-phene) (PTB7) and [6,6]-phenyl-C₇₁-butyric acid methyl ester (PC₇₁BM), exploring how additives like 1,8-di-iodo-octane (DIO) influence the film structures spin-cast from chloro-benzene solution. Combined results of specular X-ray and neutron reflectivity, grazing-incidence small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS and GIWAXS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicate that DIO could significantly enhance the dispersion of PC₇₁BM and reduce composition inhomogeneity in the film. Time

SUBMITTER: Lu KH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11611283 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature