Improved efficiency of photovoltaics based on CdSe nanorods and poly(3-hexylthiophene) nanofibers

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2006 Aug 14;8(30):3557-60. doi: 10.1039/b604734n. Epub 2006 May 30.

Abstract

We present photovoltaic devices based on a blend of the conjugated polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) with cadmium selenide nanorods, where the solvent for film deposition has been carefully chosen to optimize the film morphology. Using 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB), which has a high boiling point, as solvent for P3HT it is possible to obtain a fibrilar morphology, providing extended pathways for hole transport. Blend devices fabricated using this solvent gave solar power conversion efficiencies of 2.6%. This indicates that efficient transport of electrons and holes is achieved in these films, allowing them to operate effectively at solar illumination intensities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cadmium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Photochemistry / instrumentation
  • Photochemistry / methods
  • Selenium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Thiophenes / chemistry*

Substances

  • Cadmium Compounds
  • Selenium Compounds
  • Thiophenes
  • poly(3-hexylthiophene)
  • cadmium selenide