Spencer S., Murcia V., Heaphy P., Bougher C., Conrad B., Misture S., Cody J., Collison C.
Rochester Institute of Technology, US
Keywords: aggregates, organic solar cell, self-assembly, small molecule, squaraine
Using a comprehensive experimental and theoretical approach, we present a set of materials from the squaraine family that can serve as a unique energetic probe of the bulk heterojunction. We demonstrate successful devices and tight macroscopic control of the nano-scale structure of these squaraines when they are spun-cast into a bulk heterojunction organic solar cell. They are easy to synthesize and cost-friendly, both monetarily and environmentally. Squaraines form very unique aggregates which have different optical and electronic properties allowing for probing of the bulk heterojunction, and we demonstrate with these probes that the most important step in the process of charge photogeneration is exciton dissociation at the BHJ interface.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2013: Bio Sensors, Instruments, Medical, Environment and Energy (Volume 3)
Published: May 12, 2013
Pages: 527 - 530
Industry sector: Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Solar Technologies
ISBN: 978-1-4822-0586-2