Effect of graphene concentration on performance of MEH:PPV/graphene nanocomposite based devices

Abstract

Herein, we explore the effect of graphene concentration on performance of poly [2-methoxy-5-2-ethylhexoxy-p-phenylene vinylene] (MEH:PPV)/graphene nanocomposite based devices. The surface morphology of the nanocomposites analyzed through emission scanning electron microscopy suggest that increase in graphene concentration results in the formation of aggregation. Optical and structural properties of the nanocomposites examined through UV–Vis absorption and Raman spectra revealed that the addition of graphene has no affect on the conjugation length and structure of the MEH:PPV. The electrical characteristics of devices have been investigated by I–V measurement under dark and illumination at room temperature. The devices show increase in the current value and reduction on turn-on voltage with increase in the graphene concentration up to 5 wt%. However, increase in graphene concentration above 5 wt% leads to the performance degradation of the devices. Moreover, charge transport mechanisms of the devices have been explained through Ohmic behavior at lower voltages and trap charge limited conduction at higher voltages.