Colloidal stable Hybrid Inorganic/Organic Nano-composites for Photovoltaic Applications

Abstract

In present research work we have demonstrated high performance photovoltaic devices based on the colloidal stable TiO2 nanoparticles. The results demonstrates the higher Zeta potential (ζ) value for the as synthesized TiO2 NPs (+42.3mV) as compare to zeta potential of commercial TiO2 P25 (-27 mV).The concept depicts enhancement in the charge transfer owing to better dispersion between TiO2 (aq) nanoparticles and MEH-PPV polymer matrix and high stability. The colloidal stability of TiO2 nanoparticles against agglomeration intended for the appropriate conduction pathways as electron acceptor. Poly [2-methoxy-5-(2’ethyl-hexyloxy)-1, 4-phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV) polymer have been used as a composite matrix in this study. The results demonstrates a significant improvement in I-V characteristics of device in the case of as synthesized colloidal stable TiO2 (aq) nanoparticles in comparison with commercial TiO2 (P25 Degussa). Thus, ITO/TiO2 (aq)/MEH-PPV/Al assembly device shows better charge transfer because good interaction takes place between TiO2 aq nanoparticles and polymer matrix. Subsequently, short circuit current value (Jsv= 1.9 µA) and open circuit voltage (Voc= 0.44 V) have been achieved .However, in the case of ITO/TiO2 (P25)/MEH-PPV/Al (II) assembly device less Jsc and Voc values 0.68 µA and 0.17 V have been monitored. The reported work may open a promising area of consideration among polymeric stable active layer, the requirement of the modern electronics