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Solid-state Graft Copolymer Electrolytes for Lithium Battery Applications
Published on: August 12, 2013
Molecular structure and dynamics at the interfaces within bulk heterojunction materials for solar cells
Cuiying Yang1, Jerry G Hu, Alan J Heeger
1Center of Polymers and Organic Solids, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5090, USA.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|September 7, 2006
Summary
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) revealed distinct molecular arrangements in bulk heterojunctions of regioregular-poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (rrP3HT) and C(60) derivatives. Annealing induced self-assembly, separating rrP3HT and PCBM, and causing C(60) distortion.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Organic Electronics
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Bulk heterojunctions are key for organic solar cells.
- Understanding interfacial molecular structure is crucial for device performance.
- Regioregular-poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (rrP3HT) and fullerene derivatives (PCBM) are common materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular structures at the rrP3HT/fullerene interface.
- To determine how annealing affects the interfacial morphology.
- To correlate structural changes with fullerene properties.
Main Methods:
- One- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
- Analysis of chemical shift (CS) and spin-lattice relaxation rate (1/T1) data.
- Fabrication and annealing of composite films (CFs).
Main Results:
- At room temperature, rrP3HT alkyl side chains 'wrap' C(60) (PCBM).
- Annealing at 150°C leads to self-assembly and separation of rrP3HT and PCBM.
- Annealing induces distortions in C(60) symmetry, evidenced by NMR splittings and C(60) dynamics.
Conclusions:
- NMR provides detailed insights into the nanoscale structure of bulk heterojunctions.
- Annealing significantly alters the interfacial molecular packing.
- The observed C(60) distortion and dynamics are linked to interfacial interactions and annealing.
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