Determination of Solvent Systems for Blade Coating Thin Film Photovoltaics

Tait, JG; Merckx, T; Li, W; Wong, C; Gehlhaar, R; Cheyns, D; Turbiez, M; Heremans, P

HERO ID

3044625

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2015

HERO ID 3044625
In Press No
Year 2015
Title Determination of Solvent Systems for Blade Coating Thin Film Photovoltaics
Authors Tait, JG; Merckx, T; Li, W; Wong, C; Gehlhaar, R; Cheyns, D; Turbiez, M; Heremans, P
Journal Advanced Functional Materials
Volume 25
Issue 22
Page Numbers 3393-3398
Abstract With lab-scale solution-processed thin film photovoltaic (TFPV) devices attaining market relevant efficiencies, the demand for environmentally friendly and scalable deposition techniques is increasing. Replacing toxic halogenated solvents is a priority for the industrialization of solution-processed TFPV. In this work, a generalized five-step process is presented for fabricating high-performance devices from nonhalogenated inks. Resulting from this process, several new solvent systems are introduced based on thiophene, tetralin, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, o-xylene, and anisole for blade coating of three different diketopyrrolopyrrole-based (pDPP5T-2, pPDPP5T-2S, and P390) bulk heterojunctions applied in organic photovoltaic devices. Devices based on pDPP5T-2S and P390 attain 5.6% and 6.1% efficiency, respectively, greater than the efficiency either material reached when processed from the halogenated solvent system commonly used. These processes are implemented without post-deposition annealing treatments or additives. The Hansen solubility parameters of the pDPP5T-2 material are obtained, and are used, along with wettability data on a variety of substrates, to determine optimum solvent combinations and ratios for deposition. This generalized five-step process results in new nonhalogenated solvent pathways for the scalable deposition of thin film photovoltaic materials.
Doi 10.1002/adfm.201501039
Wosid WOS:000355992600015
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Keyword blade coating; bulk heterojunction; diketopyrrolopyrrole; Hansen solubility parameters; photovoltaic cells