Probing the structure–function relationship in pC6TP:PCBM based organic photonic devices

• Published in: Solar energy materials and solar cells Vol. 110; pp. 8 - 14
• Main Authors: Duck, Benjamin C., Vaughan, Benjamin, Wen, Li, Heth, Christopher L., Rasmussen, Seth C., Zhou, Xiaojing, Belcher, Warwick J., Dastoor, Paul C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.03.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electronics; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Low-band gap; Natural energy; Near infra-red; Optoelectronic devices; Organic photonic devices; Photoelectric conversion; Photovoltaic conversion; Semiconductor electronics. Microelectronics. Optoelectronics. Solid state devices; Solar cells. Photoelectrochemical cells; Solar energy; Structure–function; Near infra-red; Structure–function; Low-band gap; Organic photonic devices; Performance evaluation; Annealing; Heat treatment; Fullerene compounds; Charge transport; Butyric acid; Photovoltaic cell; Structure-function; Time dependence; Ester; Photoelectric current; Heterojunction
• ISSN: 0927-0248; 1879-3398
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2012.11.016

Bulk heterojunction binary blends of poly(2,3-dihexylthieno(3,4-b)pyrazine) (pC6TP) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methylester (PCBM) have been prepared and studied as near infra-red (NIR) organic photonic devices. Photocurrent contributions from both components are observed and show a photoresponse down to approximately 1eV. The performance of the devices as a function of annealing time is investigated. A model for the effect of structure on the NIR response of these devices is developed and highlights the ambipolar nature of pC6TP as a charge transport material. [Display omitted] ► Near-IR organic photonic devices based on pC6TP were fabricated and characterized. ► We observe a photoresponse down to approximately 1eV. ► We study the effect of annealing and solvent on the NIR response. ► We propose a structural model for device function. ► The model is consistent with pC6TP acting as an ambipolar charge transport material.