Optimizing Energy Conversion in Organic Materials via Processing and Morphological Design.

摘要

The performance and reliability of bulk heterojunction thin film polymer solar cells are inextricably linked to the three-dimensional nanoscale morphological structure of the photoactive materials, driven by the extent of phase separation between the polymer and fullerene components. To this end, well-established processing protocols to induce phase separation comprising high temperature and solvent vapor annealing have been employed to create optimal nanoscale morphologies. This thesis examines two fundamental approaches regarding the control of nanoscale morphology: (1) a novel environmentally benign processing method, and (2) the use of an all-conjugated gradient copolymer.