Nanorubbing of Polythiophene Surfaces

Abstract

This work describes a new orientation method for semicrystalline poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) thin films, coupling nanorubbing and subsequent crystallization. Using the stylus of an atomic force microscope, we align the polymer chains on P3HT surfaces with a spatial and geometrical control of the oriented domains (nanorubbing). These chain-aligned structures can be made permanent thanks to the crystallization process, which propagates the orientation obtained at the surface to the bulk.

Annealing‐Free High Efficiency and Large Area Polymer Solar Cells Fabricated by a Roller Painting Process

“…One of reasons for the formation of P3HT nanofibers is thought to be that the normal and shear stresses that accompany roller painting induce and accelerate the crystallization of P3HT. [25,[28][29][30] Another reason is slow drying of the film during the process, which may accelerate the crystallization of P3HT chains. [9] It has been reported that the control of drying rate after spin coating is very important in achieving high crystallinity of P3HT and PCBM and, thereby, a high PCE.…”

“…It is well known that crystalline polymers, such as P3HT, can be effectively crystallized when shear or normal stresses are applied, for example by nanorubbing, molecular reflow or nano-imprinting. [28][29][30] Kim et al [25,26] reported the fabrication of high efficiency PSCs using brush painting, because the shear stress during the brush painting Polymer solar cells are fabricated by a novel solution coating process, roller painting. The roller-painted film -composed of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) -has a smoother surface than a spin-coated film.…”

Fabrication of Annealing-Free High Efficiency and Large Area Polymer Solar Cells by Roller Painting Process

“…It is well known that the crystalline polymer such as P3HT can be effectively crystallized when the shear or normal stress such as nano rubbing, molecular reflow and nano imprinting is applied [24]. Particularly, Kim et al [22] have reported that high efficiency PSCs are fabricated by using the brush painting because the shear stress during the brush painting induces the ordering of P3HT chains.…”

Comparison of Room Temperature Polymeric Spin-Valves With Different Organic Components

“…P3HT has two variants, RR-P3HT and RRa-P3HT which differ in structure. The structures of thin films fabricated with both RR-P3HT and RRa-P3HT have been widely studied [7], [10]. The RR-P3HT films have two-dimensional lamellae structure which leads to higher conductivity when compared with RRa-P3HT, which has a disordered structure.…”

“…The RR-P3HT films have two-dimensional lamellae structure which leads to higher conductivity when compared with RRa-P3HT, which has a disordered structure. RRa-P3HT does not crystallize or exhibit fibrillar structure [10]. Thus, the use of RR-P3HT and RRa-P3HT enables the study of spin transport in materials having the same chemical formula, but with different physical structure and conductivity.…”