Uncovering buried structure and interfaces in molecular photovoltaics
File(s)Figures - Uncovering Buried Structure post review JBG.pdf (2.42 MB)
Supporting information
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The processes that generate current in organic photovoltaics are highly dependent on the micro‐ and nano‐structure in the semiconductor layers, especially at the donor‐acceptor interface. Elucidating film properties throughout the thickness of the devices is therefore key to their further development. Here, a methodology is developed to gain unprecedented insights into the structure and composition of the molecular layers within the depth of device structure using high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The technique was applied to three archetypical solar cell configurations consisting of copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) and C60, which have been cross‐sectioned using a focused ion beam method optimized to minimize sample damage. The HRTEM images exhibit lattice fringes in both CuPc and C60, confirming the crystallinity and texture of both materials, and offering novel insight into the growth of C60 onto molecular materials. The donor‐acceptor interface morphology is further studied using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) in combination with energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy, extending the scope of our methodology to amorphous heterostructures.
Date Issued
2014-11-05
Date Acceptance
2014-08-01
Citation
Advanced Functional Materials, 2014, 24 (41), pp.6473-6483
ISSN
1616-301X
Publisher
Wiley
Start Page
6473
End Page
6483
Journal / Book Title
Advanced Functional Materials
Volume
24
Issue
41
Copyright Statement
© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. This is the accepted version of the following article: Gilchrist, J. B., Basey‐Fisher, T. H., Chang, S. C., Scheltens, F. , McComb, D. W. and Heutz, S. (2014), Uncovering Buried Structure and Interfaces in Molecular Photovoltaics. Adv. Funct. Mater., 24: 6473-6483., which has been published in final form at https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201400345
Sponsor
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Identifier
http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000344595600008&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Grant Number
EP/F039948/1
EP/F04139X/1
EP/H002022/1
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Technology
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chemistry, Physical
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Physics, Applied
Physics, Condensed Matter
Chemistry
Science & Technology - Other Topics
Materials Science
Physics
TRANSMISSION ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY
ORGANIC THIN-FILMS
POLYMER SOLAR-CELLS
COPPER PHTHALOCYANINE
SPECIMEN PREPARATION
SAMPLE PREPARATION
CRYSTAL-STRUCTURE
HETEROJUNCTION
PERFORMANCE
FIB
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2014-08-22