Electronic properties of interfaces between PCPDTBT and prototypical electrodes studied by photoemission spectroscopy

Chemphyschem. 2011 Aug 22;12(12):2345-51. doi: 10.1002/cphc.201000999. Epub 2011 Jun 29.

Abstract

We report on the electronic structure of poly[2,6-(4,4-bis- (2-ethylhexyl)-4H-cyclopenta[2,1-b;3,4-b']dithiophene)-alt-4,7(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)] (PCPDTBT), a promising low-band-gap donor material for efficient bulk heterojunction organic solar cells. Electronic properties of interfaces formed between PCPDTBT and prototypical electrodes [Au, indium-tin-oxide and poly(ethylene-dioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate)], obtained from X-ray photoemission spectroscopy and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy, are evaluated. The formation of interface dipoles is observed, and their consequences for device performance are discussed. For the system PCPDTBT/Au chemical interactions occur, which may affect in particular the charge extraction at the corresponding interface.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electrodes
  • Electrons
  • Energy-Generating Resources*
  • Gold / chemistry
  • Photoelectron Spectroscopy
  • Polyethylenes / chemistry
  • Polymers / analysis
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Polystyrenes / chemistry
  • Solar Energy
  • Surface Properties
  • Thiadiazoles / analysis
  • Thiadiazoles / chemistry*
  • Tin Compounds / chemistry

Substances

  • Polyethylenes
  • Polymers
  • Polystyrenes
  • Thiadiazoles
  • Tin Compounds
  • poly(2,6-(4,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-4H-cyclopenta(2,1-b-3,4-b0)dithiophene))-alt-4,7-(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)
  • indium tin oxide
  • Gold