Abstract
Scanning Kelvin probe microscopy (SKPM), electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) are used to study the microscopic processes of the photo-induced charge separation at the interface of Ag and conductive polymers, i.e., poly[2,6-(4,4-bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-4H-cyclopenta[2,1-b;3,4-bʹ]dithiophene)-alt-4,7-(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)] (PCPDTBT) and poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT). They are also widely used in order to directly observe the charge distribution and dynamic changes at the interfaces in nanostructures, owing to their high sensitivity. Using SKPM, it is proved that the charge of the photo-induced polymer PCPDTBT is transferred to Ag nanoparticles (NPs). The surface charge of the Ag-induced NPs is quantified while using EFM, and it is determined that the charge is injected into the polymer P3HT from the Ag NPs. We expect that this technology will provide guidance to facilitate the separation and transfer of the interfacial charges in the composite material systems and it will be applicable to various photovoltaic material systems.
Highlights
Noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) increase light absorption owing to their local surface plasmon effect, strong scattering effect, and diversity in size and morphology, and exhibit enhanced electrical, optical, and magnetic properties [1,2,3,4]
Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was simultaneously conducted; the results indicate that the Ag BNoPths hscaavnenbinegenelseucctcroesnsfmulilcyrossycnotphees(iSzEeMd )(F(iFgiugruereS21aa)). aTnhde AmFoMrph(Foilgougrye o1fbA) tgopNoPgsracpohvyerwedere wiuthsecdontoduchctairvaectPeCriPzeDtThBeTsiwzeeroef tthesetseedpvairaticAleFsM
This study used a combination of Scanning Kelvin probe microscopy (SKPM) and laser irradiation to monitor the photo-induced charge transfer between Ag and a polymer
Summary
Noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) increase light absorption owing to their local surface plasmon effect, strong scattering effect, and diversity in size and morphology, and exhibit enhanced electrical, optical, and magnetic properties [1,2,3,4]. Conductive polymers have always been of interest to researchers, owing to their relatively unique properties, such as light weight, good toughness, easy processing, easy conductivity adjustment, low cost, easy large-area coating, and convenient fabrication. The interface charge separation process largely affects the conversion efficiency of these noble metal-polymer composite-nanostructure photovoltaic solar cells. The SKPM and EFM modes were used to quantitatively study the light-modulated surface potentials of Ag NPs and the photo-induced charge separation/electron transfer process between Ag NPs and different substrates. Specific processes utilize the EFM mode for measuring the electron number of Ag NPs, elucidating the influence of Ag NP surface plasmon polaritons on different substrates, and demonstrating the process of light-induced charge separation
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