Fullerene‐based processable polymers as plausible acceptors in photovoltaic applications. Issue 4 (1st November 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Perrin, Lara; Nourdine, Ali; Planes, Emilie; Carrot, Christian; Alberola, Nicole; Flandin, Lionel
• Is Part Of: Journal of polymer science. Volume 51:Issue 4(2013:Feb. 15)
• Page Start: 291
• Page End: 302
• Publication Date: 2012-11-01
• Subjects: 547
• DOI: 10.1002/polb.23206
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0887-6266

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>To develop n‐type processable polymeric materials for photovoltaic applications, a series of polymers was synthesized by grafting fullerene C₆₀ onto polystyrene (PS). Grafted polymers were studied and compared with PS:fullerene blends. Electronical and electrical properties were first measured to define the minimal amount of C₆₀ required for solar cells application. Then, thermal properties and rheological behavior of grafted polymers were analyzed to determine whether they could be processed from the melt. A throughout experimental study revealed that C₆₀‐grafted polymers exhibit two thresholds. The first threshold at 3–4 vol % (detected by electrical conductivity, electron mobility, and melt viscosity measurements) is associated to the percolation of C₆₀ molecules. The second threshold (evidenced by glass transition and melt viscosity measurements and confirmed by optical and atomic force micrograph observations) at about 12–13 vol % is assumed to be related to the formation of C₆₀ aggregates. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013</p> </abstract>