Abstract
In this study, we explore the effects of alkyl surface terminations on ZnO for inverted, planar ZnO/poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) solar cells using two different attachment chemistries. Octadecylthiol (ODT) and octadecyltriethoxysilane (OTES) molecules were used to create 18-carbon alkyl surface molecular layers on sol gel-derived ZnO surfaces. Molecular layer formation was confirmed and characterized using water contact angle measurements, infrared (IR) transmission measurements, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The performances of the ZnO/P3HT photovoltaic cells made from ODT- and OTES-functionalized ZnO were compared. The ODT-modified devices had higher efficiencies than OTES-modified devices, suggesting that differences in the attachment scheme affect the efficiency of charge transfer through the molecular layers at the treated ZnO surface.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
W. J. E. Beek, M. M. Wienk, M. Kemerink, X.Yang and R. A. J. Janssen, J. Phys. Chem. B 109, 9505–9516 (2005).
T. C. Monson, M. T. Lloyd, D. C. Olson, Y. Lee, and J. W. P. Hsu, Adv. Mater. 20, 4755 (2008).
C. Goh, S. R. Scully, and M. D. McGehee, J. Appl. Phys. 101, 114503 (2007).
C. G. Allen, D. J. Baker, J. M. Albin, H. E. Oertli, D. T. Gillaspie, D. C. Olson, T. E. Furtak, and R. T. Collins, Langmuir 24, 13393–13398 (2008).
D. M. Walba, C. A. Liberko, E. Korblova, and M. Farrow, Liq. Crys. 31, 481–489 (2004).
A. F. Stalder, G. Kulik, D. Sage, and P. Hoffmann, Colloids Surf. A 286, 92–103 (2006).
S. Onclin, B. J. Ravoo, and D. N. Reinhoudt, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 44, 6282–6304 (2005).
D. M. Rosu, J. C. Jones, J. W. P. Hsu, K. L. Kavanagh, D. Tsankov, U. Schade, N. Esser, and K. Hinrichs, Langmuir 25, 919–923 (2009).
L. D. White and C. P. Tripp, J. Colloid Interface Sci. 227, 237–243 (2000).
D. C. Olson, Y. Lee, M. S. White, N. Kopidakis, S. E. Shaheen, D. S. Ginley, J. A. Voigt, and J. W. P. Hsu, J. Phys. Chem. C. 111, 16640–16645 (2007).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Albin, J.M., Baker, D.J., Allen, C.G. et al. Comparison of Molecular Monolayer Interface Treatments in Organic-inorganic Photovoltaic Devices. MRS Online Proceedings Library 1154, 1040 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-1154-B10-40
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-1154-B10-40