Effect of benzene-based dyes on optothermal properties of active layers for ternary organic solar cells

• Published in: Applied surface science 2023-12, Vol.641, p.158535, Article 158535
• Main Authors: Lewinska, Gabriela, Kanak, Jaroslaw, Danel, Krzysztof S., Sanetra, Jerzy, Marszalek, Konstanty W.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ellipsometry; Morphology; Ternary solar cells; Thermal properties
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2023.158535

[Display omitted] •The P3HT:PC61BM and P3HT:PC71BM layers remains stable during temperature changes.•Annealing caused changes in the intensity and spectra shifts of the absorption for ternary layers.•AFM studies of doped layers show significant changes in morphology after heating.•The n(λ) and k(λ) spectra exhibit small variations with temperature for investigated films. This publication focuses on the fabrication and thermo-optical examination of donor–acceptor layers doped with small molecules for ternary photovoltaic cell applications. The main focus of this research is the investigation of a two-component system, consisting of regioregular poly (3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) as the donor material, combined with two different types of fullerene acceptors. Moreover, the article explores the characteristics of thin films composed of a combination of donor materials and acceptor materials, along with the inclusion of a specific additive. The research provides insights into the ternary systems within a temperature range of 10–120 °C. Changes in the absorption spectrum in UV–Vis region for the studied layers before and after thermal treatment was demonstrated. Variations in the crystallinity and roughness of the layers were demonstrated using atomic force microscopy. The process and changes in layer thickness were recorded using a spectroscopic ellipsometry method. The influence of temperature on the dispersion dependence of the refractive index and extinction coefficient for the layers under consideration was also investigated.