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Electrical scanning probe microscopy of an integrated blocking layer.

Stefan A L Weber1, Mine Memesa, Rüdiger Berger

  • 1Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany.

Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
|December 9, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Titania nanocomposites form conductive pathways in hybrid organic solar cells. Scanning probe microscopy revealed interconnected titania grains, crucial for device performance.

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Nanotechnology
  • Renewable Energy

Background:

  • Hybrid organic solar cells require efficient blocking layers to improve performance.
  • Nanocomposites offer tunable properties for advanced electronic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the morphology and conductivity of a titania-based nanocomposite blocking layer.
  • To investigate the impact of plasma treatment and annealing on the titania nanocomposite structure and electronic properties.

Main Methods:

  • Sol-gel chemistry for nanocomposite preparation.
  • Spin casting for film formation.
  • Scanning probe microscopy techniques, including conductive scanning force microscopy and Kelvin probe microscopy.

Main Results:

  • A granular structure with ~20 nm titania grains was observed after plasma treatment and annealing.
  • Conductive scanning force microscopy indicated increased conductivity on titania grains, forming interconnecting paths.
  • Kelvin probe microscopy showed a work function shift of 0.8 +/- 0.2 eV, consistent with amorphous to anatase titania transition.

Conclusions:

  • The titania nanocomposite forms interconnected conductive pathways essential for blocking layer function.
  • Plasma treatment and annealing significantly influence the structure and electronic properties of the blocking layer.
  • Understanding these structure-property relationships is key for optimizing hybrid organic solar cell performance.