Rheological and physical characterization of PEDOT: PSS/graphene oxide nanocomposites for perovskite solar cells

Abstract

In this work, the influence of graphene oxide (GO) doped poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) thin nanocomposite on an indium–tin‐oxide (ITO) anode, as hole transport layer (HTL) in perovskite solar cells, was investigated. Different concentrations of GO were added into the PEDOT:PSS in order to enhance its conductivity. In particular, the influence of GO content on the rheological and thermal properties of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/GO nanocomposites was initially examined. The GO filler was prepared by using modified Hummers method and dispersed into PEDOT:PSS in different quantity (ranging from 0.05 to 0.25%wt/wt). The obtained nanocomposite solutions were analyzed by rheological characterizations in order to evaluate the influence of the GO filler on the viscosity of the PEDOT:PSS matrix. The wettability of solutions was evaluated by Contact Angle (CA) measurements. The quality of GO dispersion into the polymer matrix was studied using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Thermal characterizations (DSC and TGA) were, finally, applied on nanocomposite films in order to evaluate thermal stability of the films as well as to indirectly comprehend the GO influence on PEDOT:PSS‐water links. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:546–552, 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers