Effects of the processing variables on the optical properties of P3HT:PCBM absorber layer: A statistical point of view

M. Loeza-Poot, J. Méndez-Hernández, M. Oviedo-Mendoza, R. Mis-Fernández, J. L. Peña, C. E. Peñuela-Cruz, E. Hernández-Rodríguez

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The organic solar cells (OSCs) stand out due to their low cost and possibility to be flexible; however, it is well known that small deviations of the manufacturing variables could affect their performance. Therefore, in this work, we conducted a systematic study of the effects of the precursor solution (PS) processing and the post-deposition thermal treatment (TT) on the optical properties of P3HT:PCBM absorber-layer, by applying a Central Composite Design of Experiments. Results revealed that the temperature is the factor with the greatest influence on material properties; while the stirring time by itself is the least significant; however, its interaction with high temperature promotes the structural disorder, inducing degradation of the absorber layer. The DoE showed that P3HT:PCBM layers with appropriate optical properties to be applied in OSCs are fabricated with a PS stirred at 53.5 °C for 18 h, and post-deposition TT below to 150 °C. These results were corroborated with X-ray diffraction, microscope optical images, and electrical and optical responses of manufactured solar cells.

Original languageEnglish
Article number113514
JournalOptical Materials
Volume137
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2023

Keywords

  • DoE
  • Organic solar cells
  • Precursor solution
  • Spin-coating
  • Thermal treatment

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