Solar cells based on hybrid photoactive films created from the organic and inorganic semiconductors are attracting attention as an alternative of Si based energy sources. The control of morphology of the photoactive layer and therefore improving the photoconversion efficiency of the cell are the challenging key issue for the fabrication of efficient photovoltaic devices. Now the hybrid composite films, which are blends of conjugated polymers (P3HT, MEH-PPV) and inorganic nanocrystals (TiO₂, ZnO) that offer high hole and electron mobility or improved spectral coverage are widely investigated for photovoltaic applications. However there are a little scientific work devoted to the investigation of the phase states in blend films and the influence of interface modifier (IM) deposited on the nanocrystal surface on phase separation and photovoltaic properties, particularly.

The present study is devoted to the obtaining and study of morphology, and photoelectrical properties of the MEH-PPV/ZnO/IM nanocomposite. The perylene derivates were chosen as IM. MEH-PPV/ZnO(IM) films were prepared by spin-coating onto substrates.

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses revealed that the IM are adsorbed and chemically bonded to ZnO. The morphology of the hybrid film was determined by TEM and is characterized by RDF (radial distribution function). It is found that RDF for ZnO nanocrystals with the dye (II) interface modifier corresponded to the case of spherical stabilization of NC in the polymer matrix. Unlike RDF of the blend with ZnO in the dye (II) shell corresponded to the case of vertical phase segregation (in accordance with Schweizer model). HOMO and LUMO levels of the dyes were calculated using E_ox measured by cyclic voltammetry method and E_g was determined by optical absorption in the dye films. The better photoluminescence quenching in the MEH-PPV/ZnO(IM) blends was observed for ZnO with dye (I). Photovoltaic measurements on the cells with planar and BHJ geometry demonstrated that open-circuit voltage (V_OC) and (J_SC) correlated with a the radial distribution function (RDF) of ZnO in polymer matrix. This study provides a useful route for increasing the efficiency of hybrid solar cells via the control of distribution of ZnO in polymer matrix. 

• Legal notice:
  

  Copyright (c) Pielaszek Research, all rights reserved.
  The above materials, including auxiliary resources, are subject to Publisher's copyright and the Author(s) intellectual rights. Without limiting Author(s) rights under respective Copyright Transfer Agreement, no part of the above documents may be reproduced without the express written permission of Pielaszek Research, the Publisher. Express permission from the Author(s) is required to use the above materials for academic purposes, such as lectures or scientific presentations.
  In every case, proper references including Author(s) name(s) and URL of this webpage: https://science24.com/paper/29533 must be provided.

1. The phase state of polymer nanocomposite versus the surface modification of quantum dots
2. Formation and study of luminescence ceramics based on polycrystalline calcium fluorapatite doped with europium ions
3. Stabilized nanoapatites doped with REE obtained from aqueous solution