Synthesis and characterization of poly(3-octylthiophene)/single wall carbon nanotube composites for photovoltaic applications

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science 2010-11, Vol.118 (3), p.1386-1394
• Main Authors: Kim, Hee Jin, Koizhaiganova, Raushan B, Karim, Mohammad Rezaul, Lee, Gang Ho, Vasudevan, Thiagarajan, Lee, Mu Sang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; conducting polymers; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; fillers; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; nanocomposites; Natural energy; Oxidants; Particulate composites; Photovoltaic cells; Photovoltaic conversion; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymerization; Reproduction; Single wall carbon nanotubes; Solar cells; Solar cells. Photoelectrochemical cells; Solar energy; Spectroscopy; Technology of polymers
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.32436

In situ polymerization of P3OT with SWCNT is carried out in the presence of a FeCl₃ oxidant in a chloroform medium. The characterization of the composites is performed with FTIR, Raman, ¹H-NMR, UV-Vis, PL spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, TEM, and conductivity measurements. The change (if any) in C==C symmetric and antisymmetric stretching frequencies in FTIR, the shift in G band frequencies in Raman, any alterations in λmax of UV-Vis and PL spectroscopic measurements are monitored with SWCNT loading in the polymer matrix. ¹H-NMR confirms the wrapping of the polymer on to the SWCNT indicating lack of mobility. The work function values and the optical band gap values also support this view. The in situ polymerization procedure of the donor polymer molecules and the acceptor carbon nanotubes has resulted in enhanced dispersibility and stability of the composites in organic solvents. However, the principal focus of the study is to understand the interaction between the polymer and the SWCNTs, as the interface plays an important role in its application in the photovoltaic cells.