Optimization and characterization of doped photoactive layer P3HT: ICBA for organic optoelectronic applications

Abstract

A doped bulk heterojunction P3HT: ICBA active layer was studied, aiming at the effects of chromium chloride (CrCl2) and Cobalt chloride (CoCl2) doping. The study involved linear optical and electrical characterization to analyze the impact of these additives on the photoactive layer's performance. The electrical properties of doped P3HT: ICBA revealed enhancements with CrCl2(5%wt), CrCl2(10%wt), CoCl2(5%wt), and CoCl2(5%wt) (5%wt) by 8.5x, 11x, 10x, and 14x respectively, compared to pure P3HT:ICBA under dark/light conditions. This improvement is attributed to enhanced internal charge generation. The study also examined the effect of thermal treatment on the active layer from 20 ºC to 65 ºC under dark/light conditions. Additionally, the doped photoactive layer samples were tested as optical sensors under white, green, and red light, with a slightly higher optical response under white light. The findings confirm that doping P3HT: ICBA with CoCl2 and CrCl2 improves optical and electrical responses due to better charge transfer and generation.