Thesis
Morphology-Driven Comprehensive Charge Loss Analysis of Organic Photovoltaics Processed with Non-Halogenated Solvents
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000006337
Abstract
Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) are promising as a printable and massively scalable solar energy source. Their efficiencies are approaching 20%, making them competitive with current panels. The design of OPVs, however, is limited by the minimal choices of processing solvents, which are often toxic, and an inadequate knowledge of the complex, morphology-driven charge generation and recombination processes. Here, we study a relatively unexplored non-halogenated (green) processing solvent CS2 and find reduced recombination resulting in a record high device efficiency with thicker, easier to manufacture active layers. The improvement represents a 30% increase over traditional halogenated solvents. To probe device charge dynamics, this project develops accurate measurements of spectral and total device photoabsorption and radiative losses. These techniques are included in a suite of other methods to provide a comprehensive charge loss analysis under operational conditions for the model polymer-fullerene system PCDTBT:PCBM. We demonstrate the dominate mechanisms limiting performance and connect these limitations to specific aspects of nanostructure measured via advanced x-ray techniques. Moving forward, these analytical techniques will enable an understanding of the detailed processes of charge generation and recombination to work toward further progress in materials design of OPVs.
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Details
- Title
- Morphology-Driven Comprehensive Charge Loss Analysis of Organic Photovoltaics Processed with Non-Halogenated Solvents
- Creators
- Acacia Patterson
- Contributors
- Brian Collins (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Department of Physics and Astronomy
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 61
- Identifiers
- 99901087336001842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis