A multilayered approach to polyfluorene water-based organic photovoltaics

Summary

This document discusses the development of multilayered organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices using water-based polymer nanoparticle dispersions. The authors address challenges in controlling the nanoscale architecture of the active layer while eliminating hazardous organic solvents. The study presents an optimized approach that results in polyfluorene OPV devices with efficiencies surpassing those of traditional bulk-heterojunction devices. Key findings include the suitability of nanoparticle morphology for effective charge separation and the importance of thermal treatment for inter-particle connectivity.

Keywords

• Organic solar cells

• Nanoparticles

• Morphology

• Solar paint

• Polyfluorene

• Photovoltaics

Main claims

• Optimized polyfluorene OPV devices can be produced from polymer nanoparticles via multilayered device architectures.

• The morphology of polyfluorene nanoparticles is suited for effective charge separation.

• Thermal treatment of deposited layers improves interparticle connectivity and charge transport.

• The optimal device thickness balances layer defect repair and stress cracking in the nanoparticulate film.

• Devices fabricated from aqueous dispersions of nanoparticles exhibit efficiencies greater than bulk heterojunction devices.