Journal of
Chemical Engineering and Materials Science

  • Abbreviation: J. Chem. Eng. Mater. Sci.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-6605
  • DOI: 10.5897/JCEMS
  • Start Year: 2010
  • Published Articles: 97

Full Length Research Paper

Characterization and optimization of poly (3-hexylthiophene-2, 5- diyl) (P3HT) and [6, 6] phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) blends for optical absorption

G. Kalonga
  • G. Kalonga
  • Department of Physics, School of Natural Sciences, University of Zambia, P. O. Box 32379, Lusaka, 10101 Zambia.
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G. K. Chinyama
  • G. K. Chinyama
  • Department of Physical Sciences, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, The Copperbelt University, P.O. Box 21692, Kitwe, Zambia.
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M. O. Munyati
  • M. O. Munyati
  • Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, University of Zambia, P. O. Box 32379, Lusaka, 10101 Zambia.
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M. Maaza
  • M. Maaza
  • Nanosciences Laboratories, Materials Research Department, iThemba LABS, P. O. Box 722, Somerset West 7129, Western Cape, South Africa.
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  •  Accepted: 19 August 2013
  •  Published: 30 November 2013

Abstract

Thin films were developed, characterized, and optimized for optical absorbance from blends of organic polymer poly (3-hexylthiophene-2, 5- diyl) (P3HT) and the fullerene derivative [6, 6] phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). The materials of both pristine and blends were analyzed using X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy for structural properties, and fourier transform infra-red and UV-VIS spectroscopy for optical properties. The study evaluated the effects of altering the blend ratio and annealing temperature on absorption. The ratios were made by varying the weight of PCBM whilst keeping that of P3HT constant. Eleven different ratios were made with each exhibiting its own optimal annealing temperature and absorption. The optimum ratio was determined and found to be at 1:1 with an annealing temperature of 100ºC for 30 min duration.

Key words: Poly (3-hexylthiophene-2, 5- diyl) (P3HT), [6, 6] phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), blend ratio, thin films, organic, polymer.

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This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

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