Improved performance of ZnO/polymer hybrid photovoltaic devices by combining metal oxide doping and interfacial modification

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Olympia Pachoumi - , University of Cambridge (Author)
  • Artem A. Bakulin - , AMOLF (Author)
  • Aditya Sadhanala - , University of Cambridge (Author)
  • Henning Sirringhaus - , University of Cambridge (Author)
  • Richard H. Friend - , University of Cambridge (Author)
  • Yana Vaynzof - , University of Cambridge, Heidelberg University  (Author)

Abstract

Photoinduced charge separation at hybrid organic-inorganic interfaces is poorly understood and challenging to control. We investigate charge separation at a model system of ZnO/poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and employ Sr doping of ZnO and phenyl-C61-butyric acid (PCBA) self-assembled modification to study and enhance the charge separation efficiency. We find that doping alone lowers the efficiency of charge separation due to the introduction of defect states at the oxide surface. However, with the combination of doping and molecular modification, charge separation efficiency is significantly enhanced due to the passivation of interfacial traps and improved modifier coverage. This demonstrates a complex noncumulative effect of doping and surface modification and shows that with the correct choice of metal oxide dopant and organic modifier, a poorly performing hybrid interface can be turned into an efficient one.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)18945-18950
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry C, Nanomaterials and interfaces
Volume118
Issue number33
Publication statusPublished - 21 Aug 2014
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes