Abstract

ABSTRACT In this work, poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) nanocomposites with different mass percentages of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) (1.0, 2.0 and 5.0% wt.) were prepared by in-situ polymerization to assess the effects of NPs on the physical and chemical properties of the P3HT polymer. Green TiO2 NPs in the anatase crystalline phase were obtained by microwave-assisted synthesis. Transmission electron microscopy images showed the presence of submicron agglomerates of TiO2 NPs inserted in the P3HT matrix. Cyclic voltammograms evidenced a quasi-reversible behavior at a 50 mV s-1 sweep rate for all samples, with the P3HT-TiO2 nanocomposite exhibiting a higher oxidation potential than P3HT. The nanocomposite containing 2.0% wt. TiO2 exhibited the highest thermal stability and the highest potential for application in photovoltaic devices due to its regiochemistry, which improved the charge transport properties of the P3HT polymer.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call