Using Solubility Parameters to Model More Environmentally Friendly Solvent Blends for Organic Solar Cell Active...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Organic Electronics
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Developing organic solar cells (OSCs) requires processing photoactive layers using safe and environmentally friendly solvents.
• Traditional solvents pose health and environmental risks, necessitating the exploration of alternatives.
• Predictive modeling is crucial for navigating the vast possibilities of solvent-solute interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify less hazardous solvent blends for processing OSCs using Hansen solubility parameters (HSP).
• To theoretically screen and experimentally validate solvent blends for specific donor (TQ1) and acceptor (N2200) polymers.
• To assess the morphology of thin films prepared using these novel solvent blends.

Main Methods:

• Hansen solubility parameters (HSP) modeling was employed to predict suitable solvent blends.
• Solubility tests were conducted to experimentally determine HSP for the TQ1:N2200 polymer pair.
• Thin films were fabricated via spin-coating using the validated solvent blends.

Main Results:

• HSP modeling successfully identified promising, less hazardous solvent blends.
• Experimental validation confirmed the HSP parameters for the TQ1:N2200 system.
• Spin-coated thin films from the new blends exhibited morphology comparable to those from conventional solvents like chloroform.

Conclusions:

• HSP modeling provides an effective theoretical basis for selecting safer solvents in OSC fabrication.
• The identified solvent blends offer a viable green alternative for processing OSC photoactive layers.
• This approach facilitates the industrial application of OSCs by addressing environmental and health concerns.