Donor-acceptor copolymers have received a great deal of attention for application as organic semiconductors, in particular as the active layers in low-cost consumer electronics. The functional groups grafted to the polymer backbones generally dictate the molecular orbital energies of the final materials as well as aid in self-assembly. Additionally, the side chains attached to these functional groups not only dictate the solubility of the final materials, but also their morphological characteristics. The bulk of the research presented in this dissertation focuses on the synthesis and structure-property relationships of polymers containing novel acceptor motifs. Chapter 2 focuses on the synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted cyanoarene monomers as the acceptor motif for copolymerization with known donors. It was found that cyanation of both benzene and thiophene aromatic cores resulted in a decrease of the molecular orbital energy levels. Additionally, the small size of this functional group allowed favorable self-assembly and close π-stacking to occur relative to related acceptor cores carrying alkyl side chains as evidenced by UV-Vis and WAXD data. Chapter 3 describes the systematic variation of side chain branching length and position within a series of phthalimide-based polymers. Branching of the side chains on bithiophene donor units resulted in the expected increase in solubility for these materials. Furthermore, a correlation was found between the branching position, size, and the HOMO energy levels for the polymers. Additionally, it was demonstrated that branching the alkyl side chains in close proximity to polymer backbones does not disrupt conjugation in these systems. A novel acceptor motif based on the 1,3-indanedione unit is presented in Chapter 4. Despite the stronger electron withdrawing capability of this functional group relativeto phthalimide, it was found that polymers based on this unit have the same HOMO molecular orbital energy levels as those presented in Chapter 3. It was found, however, the presence of orthogonal side chains greatly enhanced the solubility of the final polymers. Additionally, UV-Vis and WAXD measurements revealed that thermal annealing had a profound effect on the ordering of these polymers. Despite the presence of orthogonal side chains, long range order and close π-stacking distances were still achieved with these materials. Finally, alkynyl “spacers” were used in Chapter 5 to separate the solubilizing alkyl side chains from the polymer backbones on bithiophene donor monomers. The alkynyl groups allowed for conjugated polymer backbones to be achieved as well as low HOMO energy levels. A correlation between the side chain size, π-stacking distances and HOMO-LUMO energy levels was measured in this polymer series.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-20T12:40:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 FabioSantanaSantos.pdf: 4363488 bytes, checksum: 41a5d6b8fb73b9234813c167b1c4d075 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-10-25 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / In this work, we sought to develop a methodology for the preparation of composite conductive polymer metal oxides for application in photovoltaic devices. The goal is the preparation of in-situ deposition of polymer and TiO2 oxide, in a single step by Electrochemical Synthesis of the substrates with architecture specially prepared for this. This study was divided into three stages, initially prepared molecules that give may give rise to monomers precursors of conjugated polymers derived from poly-p-phenylenevinylene PPV and polythiophene, groups attached to the aromatic ring of the polymer chain, the type (-O-(CH2) xCH3, X = 9 or 4), and the CN group. We conducted theoretical based on the DFT method (Density Functional Theory) and experimental studies of bromination reactions by different routes, using CCl4 as a solvent, AcOMe and aqueous HBr/KBr. We carried out the preparation of ZnO nanoparticles by hydrothermal route. In a second step was conducted in the preparation of a copolymer (DCN-PPV/PPV) to evaluate the effect of the CN group in the structure. Studies electrochemical synthesis of polymers and copolymers composite polymer/nanoparticulate (TiO2) and (ZnO) oxide in order to create a form of application and the construction of a prototype of a photovoltaic device. We tested two electrochemical systems a compound of acetonitrile (ACN) tetrafluoroborate tetrabutylammonium (TBABF4) for synthesis of polyfluorene (PF) and polybenzofluorene (PBF), we tested for this through the addition of (TiO2) and (ZnO). We also evaluated the electrochemical synthesis of polymer poly-p-phenylene (PPP), polythiophene (PT) and between them copolymer (PPP/PT) in the middle of boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE), this system is realized The addition of 1% distilled water. Finally, we performed a preliminary study on the application of composites PF and TiO2, MB-PPV and TiO2, synthesized electrochemically in photovoltaic devices made in accordance with the structure (anode/polymer pure or composite/cathode); also being investigated nanolayers influence of the metal insert (NCM) nanolayers in the case of gold, the structure of the device (anode/NCM/ polymer pure or composite/cathode). / Neste trabalho, buscou-se desenvolver uma metodologia para preparação de compósitos polímeros conjugados/óxidos metálicos para aplicação em dispositivos fotovoltaicos. O objetivo foi a preparação in-situ dos polímeros e deposição dos óxido de TiO2, através da síntese eletroquímica sobre os substratos com arquitetura especialmente preparadas para isso. O trabalho foi dividido em três etapas, inicialmente preparou-se moléculas que possam dar origem a monômeros precursores de polímeros conjugados, derivados do poli-p-fenilenovinileno PPV e do politiofeno com os grupos ligados ao anel aromático da cadeia polimérica, do tipo (-O-(CH2)xCH3, X=9 ou 4), e o grupo CN. Foram feitos estudos teóricos baseados em DFT (teoria do funcional de densidade), e experimentais de reações de bromação por diferentes rotas, utilizando como solvente o CCl4, AcOMe e solução aquosa de HBr/KBr. As nanopartículas de ZnO foram sintetizadas pela rota hidrotermal. Em uma segunda etapa foi realizada a preparação de um copolímero (DCN-PPV/PPV) para avaliar o efeito do grupo CN na estrutura. Estudos de síntese eletroquímica de polímeros, copolímeros e compósitos polímero/nanoparticulas de óxido de TiO2 e ZnO, também foram realizados, com o intuito de criar uma forma de aplicação destes na construção de um protótipo de dispositivo fotovoltaico. Foram testados dois sistemas eletroquímicos, um composto por acetonitrila (ACN) e tetrafluoroborato de tetrabutilamonio (TBABF4), para síntese do polifluoreno (PF) e o polibenzofluoreno (PBF), e testou-se para este meio a adição de nanopartículas de oxido de titânio TiO2 e de zinco ZnO. Avaliou-se também a síntese eletroquímica dos polímeros poli-p-fenileno (PPP), politiofeno (PT) e o copolímero entre eles (PPP/PT) em meio de trifluoreto de boro dietil eterato (BFEE). Por fim, foi feito um estudo preliminar sobre a aplicação dos compósitos PF/TiO2 e MB-PPV/TiO2, sintetizados eletroquimicamente em dispositivos fotovoltaicos confeccionados de acordo com a estrutura (ânodo/polímero puro ou compósito/Cátodo); sendo também investigada a influência da inserção de nanocamadas metálicas de ouro (NCM), na estrutura do dispositivo (ânodo/NCM/polímero ou compósito/cátodo).

<p>Recently, materials such as hole conductors (CuI, CuSCN) and light absorbers (Ru-complexes, CuInS₂) have been actively investigated for application in nanocrystalline solar cells. In this thesis combinations of these materials have been studied.</p><p>In the first part of the thesis, various methods were applied to characterize the electronic structure and photoconversion mechanism of the dye molecule Ru(dcbpyH₂)₂(NCS)₂ when combined with materials for the use in photovoltaic devices. Specifically, the adsorption and electronic structure of the dye molecules adsorbed to semiconductors were investigated by means of photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicate a chemical bond between the dye molecules and the hole conductors (CuI, CuSCN) via the NCS- groups. In addition, preparation of a TiO₂/Ru-dye/CuI solid state model system was studied <i>in situ</i>. These experiments showed a partial breaking of the TiO₂-dye bond caused by CuI evaporation. Photovoltage measurements were also performed. These investigations showed a shift in the light absorption threshold of the dye molecules adsorbed onto the hole conductors (CuI and CuSCN), indicating new defect states at the dye/CuSCN interface. Also, charge accumulation and transport in solar cells with CuSCN were compared to liquid electrolyte cells. Measurements showed that the lifetime and transport time of electrons in solar cells with CuSCN are much shorter than in electrolyte cells.</p><p>In the second part of the thesis, the deposition of CuInS₂ onto various metal oxides by spray pyrolysis has been studied with x-ray diffraction and photoelectron spectroscopy. The measurements showed that the morphologies of the substrates play a significant role in the formation of CuInS₂ layers. Also, the presence of CdS at TiO₂ has a positive influence on the formation of CuInS₂.</p>

Recently, materials such as hole conductors (CuI, CuSCN) and light absorbers (Ru-complexes, CuInS2) have been actively investigated for application in nanocrystalline solar cells. In this thesis combinations of these materials have been studied. In the first part of the thesis, various methods were applied to characterize the electronic structure and photoconversion mechanism of the dye molecule Ru(dcbpyH2)2(NCS)2 when combined with materials for the use in photovoltaic devices. Specifically, the adsorption and electronic structure of the dye molecules adsorbed to semiconductors were investigated by means of photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicate a chemical bond between the dye molecules and the hole conductors (CuI, CuSCN) via the NCS- groups. In addition, preparation of a TiO2/Ru-dye/CuI solid state model system was studied in situ. These experiments showed a partial breaking of the TiO2-dye bond caused by CuI evaporation. Photovoltage measurements were also performed. These investigations showed a shift in the light absorption threshold of the dye molecules adsorbed onto the hole conductors (CuI and CuSCN), indicating new defect states at the dye/CuSCN interface. Also, charge accumulation and transport in solar cells with CuSCN were compared to liquid electrolyte cells. Measurements showed that the lifetime and transport time of electrons in solar cells with CuSCN are much shorter than in electrolyte cells. In the second part of the thesis, the deposition of CuInS2 onto various metal oxides by spray pyrolysis has been studied with x-ray diffraction and photoelectron spectroscopy. The measurements showed that the morphologies of the substrates play a significant role in the formation of CuInS2 layers. Also, the presence of CdS at TiO2 has a positive influence on the formation of CuInS2.

No description available.

L’oxygène et l’eau présents dans l’atmosphère sont des acteurs important dans la dégradationdes matériaux contenus dans les dispositifs opto-électroniques organiques. Dans le but d’améliorerla stabilité et la durée de vie de ces dispositifs, ces dispositifs sont encapsulés avec desmatériaux barrière aux gaz par lamination ou par l’utilisation de couches minces. Cette dernière,notamment utilisée pour les OLED, permet de fournir des barrières aux gaz performantes parle dépôt de couches inorganiques denses directement sur les dispositifs. Cependant, elles sontassujetties aux défauts des surfaces sur lesquelles elle sont déposées.L’objectif de ces travaux est de développer une couche de planarisation afin d’homogénéiserla surface des dispositifs photovoltaïques organiques (OPV) et de réduire la rugosité dans lebut d’obtenir une protection barrières aux gaz améliorée, conférée par le dépôt subséquent decouches denses inorganiques selon divers moyens (voie liquide et gazeuse).Dans un premier temps, des couches de planarisation ont été développées à partir de 6 copolymèresp(VDF-HFP). Ces derniers ont été caractérisés afin d’améliorer nos connaissances sur cesmatériaux.Grâce à une étude de solubilité, des encres à différentes concentrations dans l’acétate d’éthyleont été réalisées. Ces dernières ont été étudiées par des mesures rhéologiques et de tension desurface permettant de mieux appréhender leur étalement, et les états de surface obtenus sur dessubstrats PET et sur les dispositifs OPV. Ces recherches ont été complétées par un contrôlede la topographie et par conséquent de la planarisation des dispositifs OPV par microscopieconfocale.Pour finir, l’étude des performances barrière des structures d’encapsulations hybrides (organiqueinorganique)ont dévoilé une bonne compatibilité lorsque la rugosité de la couche de planarisationest très faible. Ces résultats sont confirmés par des mesures barrières aux gaz et des tests devieillissement accélérés des dispositifs OPV encapsulés en enceinte climatique qui permettentd’illustrer l’intérêt de l’encre planarisante développée.Ce travail a été réalisé au laboratoire LMPO au CEA/LITEN en collaboration avec l’industrielArkema dans le but de fournir des technologies d’encapsulations performantes. / Oxygen and water present in the atmosphere are important actors of the degradation of materialscontained in optoelectronic devices. In order to increase the stability and the lifetime ofOPV, the devices are encapsulated with gas-barrier materials by lamination encapsulation orthin film encapsulation. These latter, espacially used in OLED technology, provides high performancegas barriers by depositing dense inorganic layers directly onto the devices. However,they are subject to the defects of the surfaces on which they are deposited.The purpose of this study is to develop a planarinzing layer in order to homogenize the surfaceof organic photovoltaic devices (OPV) and to reduce the roughness with the aim to obtain animproved gas barrier protection, conferred by the subsequent deposition of dense inorganic layersby various ways (liquid and gaseous routes).In a first step, the planarization layers were developed from six p(VDF-HFP) co-polymers. Thesehave been characterized to improve our knowledge on those materials.Through a solubility study, inks at different concentrations in ethyl acetate were made. Thelatter were studied by rheological measurements and surface tension to understand better theirspread, and the surface conditions obtained on PET substrates and OPV devices. Those researchswere completed with a topography control and consequently the planarization of OPVdevices by confocal microscopy.Finally, the study of the barrier performance of hybrid encapsulation structures (organic-inorganic)revealed a good compatibility when the rugosity of the planarization layer is very low. Theseresults are confirmed by permeation measurements and accelerated aging tests of OPV devicesencapsulated in climatic chambers that illustrate the interest of the planarized ink developed.This work has been performed in the LMPO Laboratory at CEA/LITEN in collaboration withthe chemical company Arkema in order to be able to provide performant encapsulation technologies.

Nesta tese são discutidos alguns aspectos importantes no desenvolvimento de sistemas fotovoltaicos moleculares. São abordados temas de interesse como a síntese de novos sensibilizadores para células solares sensibilizadas por corante, o desenvolvimento de novos materiais fotoativos, Química Supramolecular, bem como a aplicação de sistemas fotovoltaicos em eletrônica molecular, especificamente no desenvolvimento de portas lógicas moleculares e dispositivos de memória. A porfirina TBPyP, contendo quatro ligantes 2,2\'-bipiridina ligados covalentemente aos carbonos meso do anel porfirínico, foi sintetizada. Este derivado porfirínico serviu como bloco de construção de sistemas supramoleculares. A utilização desses sistemas como sensibilizadores em células solares (células de Grätzel) é discutido. Fios moleculares derivados da TBPyP foram obtidos via coordenação com íons de metais de transição e são investigados quanto à possibilidade de utilização em eletrônica molecular. Novos sistemas fotovoltaicos multicamada, utilizando filmes de porfirina depositados por evaporação a vácuo como elementos fotoativos e filmes de V2O5 como eletrodo passivo, foram estudados quanto a sua eficiência e quanto ao seu mecanismo de funcionamento. Os filmes finos de porfirina obtidos neste estudo foram testados como elelementos fotoativos em células fotovoltaicas com diferentes configurações, além daquelas utilizando filmes de V2O5. A obtenção de filmes híbridos compostos de nanopartículas de ouro e ligantes orgânicos foi desenvolvida e sua aplicação em sistemas fotovoltaicos bem como em dispositivos de memória investigada. Novas portas lógicas moleculares foram obtidas utilizando-se o arranjo de células de Grätzel convencionais sensibilizadas por clusteres trigonais de rutênio sintetizados para este fim. Seu princípio de funcionamento é discutido, bem como a seu potencial de integração em circuitos lógicos. / In this thesis some aspects concerning the development of molecular photovoltaic systems are discussed. Themes of current interest such as the synthesis of new sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells, the development of new photoactive materials, and Supramolecular Chemistry are treated, as well as the application of photovoltaic systems in molecular electronics, specifically in the development of molecular logic gates and memory devices. The porphyrin TBPyP, comprised of four 2,2\'-bipyridine ligands covalently linked to the porphyrin meso carbons, was synthesized. This porphyrin derivative was used as a building block on supramolecular systems. The utilization of these supramolecular species in solar cells (Grätzel cells) is discussed. The coordination of the porphyrin TBPyP with transition metal ions gave rise to molecular wires, which are investigated about its potential use in molecular electronics. New multilayer photovoltaic systems, using thermo-evaporated porphyrin films as photoactive elements and V2O5 films as passive electrodes, had their efficiency and mechanism studied. The confection of hybrid films comprised of gold nanoparticles and organic ligands was developed and its application in photovoltaic systems, as well as in memory devices, was investigated. New molecular logic gates were realized using the a Grätzel cell in its conventional configuration, sensitized by ruthenium trigonal clusters synthesized to this end.

Nesta tese são discutidos alguns aspectos importantes no desenvolvimento de sistemas fotovoltaicos moleculares. São abordados temas de interesse como a síntese de novos sensibilizadores para células solares sensibilizadas por corante, o desenvolvimento de novos materiais fotoativos, Química Supramolecular, bem como a aplicação de sistemas fotovoltaicos em eletrônica molecular, especificamente no desenvolvimento de portas lógicas moleculares e dispositivos de memória. A porfirina TBPyP, contendo quatro ligantes 2,2\'-bipiridina ligados covalentemente aos carbonos meso do anel porfirínico, foi sintetizada. Este derivado porfirínico serviu como bloco de construção de sistemas supramoleculares. A utilização desses sistemas como sensibilizadores em células solares (células de Grätzel) é discutido. Fios moleculares derivados da TBPyP foram obtidos via coordenação com íons de metais de transição e são investigados quanto à possibilidade de utilização em eletrônica molecular. Novos sistemas fotovoltaicos multicamada, utilizando filmes de porfirina depositados por evaporação a vácuo como elementos fotoativos e filmes de V2O5 como eletrodo passivo, foram estudados quanto a sua eficiência e quanto ao seu mecanismo de funcionamento. Os filmes finos de porfirina obtidos neste estudo foram testados como elelementos fotoativos em células fotovoltaicas com diferentes configurações, além daquelas utilizando filmes de V2O5. A obtenção de filmes híbridos compostos de nanopartículas de ouro e ligantes orgânicos foi desenvolvida e sua aplicação em sistemas fotovoltaicos bem como em dispositivos de memória investigada. Novas portas lógicas moleculares foram obtidas utilizando-se o arranjo de células de Grätzel convencionais sensibilizadas por clusteres trigonais de rutênio sintetizados para este fim. Seu princípio de funcionamento é discutido, bem como a seu potencial de integração em circuitos lógicos. / In this thesis some aspects concerning the development of molecular photovoltaic systems are discussed. Themes of current interest such as the synthesis of new sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells, the development of new photoactive materials, and Supramolecular Chemistry are treated, as well as the application of photovoltaic systems in molecular electronics, specifically in the development of molecular logic gates and memory devices. The porphyrin TBPyP, comprised of four 2,2\'-bipyridine ligands covalently linked to the porphyrin meso carbons, was synthesized. This porphyrin derivative was used as a building block on supramolecular systems. The utilization of these supramolecular species in solar cells (Grätzel cells) is discussed. The coordination of the porphyrin TBPyP with transition metal ions gave rise to molecular wires, which are investigated about its potential use in molecular electronics. New multilayer photovoltaic systems, using thermo-evaporated porphyrin films as photoactive elements and V2O5 films as passive electrodes, had their efficiency and mechanism studied. The confection of hybrid films comprised of gold nanoparticles and organic ligands was developed and its application in photovoltaic systems, as well as in memory devices, was investigated. New molecular logic gates were realized using the a Grätzel cell in its conventional configuration, sensitized by ruthenium trigonal clusters synthesized to this end.

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No. of bitstreams: 1 silva_ea_dr_bauru.pdf: 5038032 bytes, checksum: 096e39873786dd29f13d8faedd460bb8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-07-05 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Les cellules solaires polymériques attirent un grand intérêt dans ce domaine de recherche, en raison du faible coût, du procédé de fabrication de grandes surfaces, des matériaux de manutention légers et de la possibilité de leur fabrication par diverses techniques. Pour une bonne efficacité des dispositifs photovoltaïques, la couche active doit contenir une bonne absorption de la lumière du soleil. En termes de bandgap,cela signifie que plus le bandgap est petit, plus le flux de photons absorbés est grand. Une manière d'accomplir ceci avec les matériaux polymères est la synthèse d'un copolymère alterné dans lequel le bandgap optique est diminué, ce que l'on appelle des polymères low-bandgap. L'organisation structurelle de la couche active joue un rôle important dans la performance des dispositifs, y compris les dispositifs photovoltaïques, et la technique Langmuir-Schaefer (LS) permet de fabriquer des films nanostructurés avec contrôle de l'épaisseur, qui peuvent servir de base pour construire de meilleurs dispositifs. Dans ce contexte, l'objectif de ce travail était de synthétiser des polymères low-bandgap et ensuite de fabriquer et caractériser des films LS de ces polymères et leurs mélanges avec un dérivé de fullerène, le PCBM, pour leur application en tant que couche active de cellules solaires. Les films LS des polymères et leurs mélanges avec PCBM ont été fabriqués et des mesures de caractérisation ont été effectuées. Ces films ont été caractérisés par des mesures électriques (courant vs tension, spectroscopie d'impédance et voltampérométrie cyclique), morphologiques (microscopie à force atomique) et optiques (UV-visible, diffusion Raman et transmission infrarouge). Par les films de Langmuir et les mesures morphologiques, il a été possible d'observer les caractéristiques spécifiques concernant la conformation de chaque polymère sous forme de film. Des mesures optiques confirment l'absorption aux longueurs d'onde élevées attendues pour ces polymères. Dans les mesures électriques, les résultats ont montré des conductivités différentes pour les mêmes matériaux lorsque les types d'électrodes ont été changés. Les dispositifs photovoltaïques des films LS fabriqués n'ont pas atteint de bonnes valeurs d'efficicacité. Les films spincoating de ces polymères testés en tant que couche active des dispositifs, sous atmosphère contrôlée, ont montré un’efficacité allant jusqu'à 0,6%. / Células solares poliméricas atraem grande interesse nessa área de pesquisa, devido ao baixo custo, processo de fabricação de grandes áreas, materiais de manuseio leves e a possibilidade de sua fabricação por diversas técnicas. Para uma boa eficiência dos dispositivos fotovoltaicos, a camada ativa deve conter uma boa absorção da luz solar. Em termos de bandgap, isto quer dizer que quanto menor o bandgap maior o fluxo de fótons absorvidos. Uma maneira de realizar isto com os materiais poliméricos é a síntese de um polímero no qual o bandgap óptico tem a capacidade de aumentar a captura da luz solar, os chamados polímeros low-bandgap. A organização estrutural da camada ativa possui um papel importante na performance de dispositivos, inclusive dos fotovoltaicos, e a técnica Langmuir-Schaefer (LS) proporciona a capacidade de fabricar filmes nanoestruturados e com controle de espessura, podendo servir de base para construção de melhores dispositivos. Dentro deste contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi sintetizar polímeros low-bandgap e, posteriormente fabricar e caracterizar filmes LS destes polímeros e de suas blendas com um derivado de fulereno, o PCBM, para a aplicação dos mesmos como camada ativa de células solares. Foram fabricados filmes LS dos polímeros e de suas misturas com PCBM e realizadas medidas de caracterização. Estes filmes foram caracterizados por meio de medidas elétricas (corrente vs. Tensão, espectroscopia de impedância e voltametria cíclica), morfológica (microscopia de força atômica) e óptica (Ultravioleta-Visível, Espalhamento Raman e transmissão no infravermelho). Com os filmes de Langmuir e as medidas morfológicas foi possível observar as características específicas de como é a conformação de cada polímero na forma de filme. As medidas ópticas confirmam a absorção em altos comprimentos de onda esperados para estes polímeros. Nas medidas elétricas os resultados mostraram diferentes condutividades para os mesmos materiais quando mudado os tipos de eletrodos. Os dispositivos fotovoltaicos dos filmes LS fabricados não alcançaram bons valores de eficiência. Filmes spin-coating destes polímeros testados como camada ativa dos dispositivos, em atmosfera controlada, revelaram eficiência de até 0.6%. / Polymeric solar cells attract great interest in this area of research due to the potential low cost, large area fabrication process, lightweight physical feature and the possibility of fabricating these cells by several techniques. To achieve good efficiency in the photovoltaic devices the active layer must have an efficient absorption of sunlight. In terms of bandgap, this means that the smaller the bandgap the greater the flux of photons absorbed. One way to accomplish this, with the polymeric materials, is the synthesis of a polymer in which the optical bandgap has the ability to increase the capture of sunlight, the so-called low-bandgap polymers. The structural organization of the active layer plays an important role in the performance of devices, including in photovoltaic devices, and the Langmuir-Schaefer (LS) technique provides the ability to manufacture nanostructured films with thickness control, which can serve as a basis for building better devices. In this context, the aim of this work was to synthesize low-bandgap polymers for later manufacturing and characterization of LS films of these polymers and their blends with a fullerene derivative, PCBM, and test them as active layer of solar cells. LS films of such polymers and their blends with PCBM were made and characterization measurements were performed. These films were characterized by electrical (current vs. voltage, impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry), morphology (atomic force microscopy) and optical (ultraviolet-visible, Raman scattering and infrared) measurements. Through the Langmuir films and the morphological measurements, it was possible to observe the specific characteristics of how it is the conformation of each polymer in film form. Optical measurements confirmed the absorption at high wavelengths expected for these polymers. In the electrical measurements, the results showed different conductivities for the same materials when the types of electrodes were changed. The photovoltaic devices manufactured from LS technique have not reached good efficiency values. When spin-coated active layers were tested as OPV devices in a controlled atmosphere the efficiency achieved up to 0.6% / CAPES DS / CNPq SWE 205489/2014-1

In recent years, organic photovoltaics (OPVs) have attracted considerable attention as a potential source of renewable energy over traditional materials due to their light weight, low production cost, mechanically stability and compatibility with flexible substrates in roll to roll processing for high volume production. In the OPVs interface plays an important role in determining the performance of the device. Interface signifies formation of efficient contact with electrode, film, and transport of free charge carrier, which results in better performance in the device. Interface engineering also helps in improving mechanical robustness of the device. Hence, understanding of interface, modification and its evaluation is important in fabrication of efficient device. In this thesis interface is modified such that the performance of the device can be improved (chapter 3 and chapter 4). In Chapter 5 and chapter 6 interface is modified such that device can be fabricated on uncommon substrate. Fabrication of device on uncommon substrates (fiber reinforced plastic and flexible glass substrate), has unique challenges. In chapter 5 and chapter 6, we look at how interface is modified to overcome the challenges associated and also understand the role of interface in improving the performance of device on such substrates is discussed. In Chapter 1 we discuss about working of organic solar cells and the challenges associated in device fabrication. Understanding of interface to overcome challenges associated is explained. It also covers brief introduction to the succeeding chapters discussed in the thesis and its recent developments. To understand the properties of interface and to analyze device performance various characterization techniques have been used are discussed in chapter 2. This chapter also covers the materials and general device fabrication techniques used in this thesis. In chapter 3, a narrow bandgap (NBG) polymer used as a near IR sensitizer in P3HT: PCBM blend. Since, P3HT with a band gap of ~1.9 eV, the commonly used p-type material absorbs approximately ~25 % of incident light. Hence, MP2 (NBG polymer) is used along with P3HT: PCBM in active layer to form a ternary blend, which helps in increased absorption. Basic properties of MP2 are evaluated using UV-visible spectroscopy, differential scanning calaorimetry(DSC), thermogravimetric analyser (TGA), gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. To evaluate enhanced absorption of ternary UV-visible spectroscopy is carried out. Charge transfer from one moiety to other in ternary blend is evaluated using PL and Ttime resolved microwave conductivity (TRMC). Morphology of the ternary is assessed using atomic force microscope (AFM) and structural characterization is carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Performance of the device is evaluated by current-voltage (J-V) characterizations. Further improved performance is supported by external quantum efficiency (EQE). Charge extraction with linear increasing voltage (CELIV) of the device is done to evaluate the recombination mechanism in the device and to assess the performance of the device. One-dimensional (1D) ZnO nanostructures provide direct paths for charge transport, and also offer large interfacial area to make them an ideal electron transport layer. In chapter 4 highly aligned ZnO nanorods is used as electron transport layer in OPV. Growth of ZnO nanorods is two-step processes, growing seed layer and growing ZnO nanorods from hydrothermal process using an appropriate seed layer. Two different soft-chemical solution- growth methods (upward and downward) are developed to fabricate self-assembled, oriented ZnO nanorods. Substrate mounting, surface properties and optical transmittance are optimized by varying the nanorods growth conditions. Further the ZnO nanorods are UV ozone treated and its effect on performance of nanostructured buffer layer based device is evaluated. In Chapter 5 OPV is fabricated on an opaque FRP substrate. Fabrication of OPV device on opaque substrate plastic is unique and hence understanding various properties is vital. Such devices fabrication require bottom up approach, with transparent electrode as the top electrode and metal electrode on the surface of FRP. FRP has inherent rough surface of about few microns RMS roughness. In order to reduce the roughness of the substrate FRP was planarized. The planarized layer is chosen, such that it chemically binds with the substrate. The chemical interaction between substrate and planarizing coating is evaluated by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The binding of planarized layer and FRP is evaluated using nanoscratch technique and surface energies are studied using contact angle measurements. In addition, adhesion properties of the metal electrodes, which are deposited on planarized FRP are evaluated using nanoscratch technique. Fabrication of OPV requires a top transparent electrode. Simple spin coating technique is used to optimize the top electrode. The property of top electrode is evaluated using UV-visible spectroscopy for transmittance, and sheet resistance of the electrode is characterized. OPV device is fabricated on planarized FRP substrate using optimized top transparent electrode and its PV properties is evaluated. Performance of the device is evaluated for two different bottom electrodes and further performance of device is enhanced using buffer layers. Usually flexible OPVs are fabricated on plastic substrate such as PET, PEN. However they are not structurally stable at high temperatures and have high oxygen and moisture Permeability. In Chapter 6 Organic based photovoltaic devices were fabricated on flexible glass. Flexible glass has high strength and it is also known for low oxygen and moisture permeability. Fabrication of device on flexible glass has never been done before and hence, generation of data is necessary for commercialization of the technology. Device fabrication is optimized by using two different transparent conducting layers (ITO- sputter deposited, PEDOT: PSS-solution processed) and device performance was evaluated for both. Since the substrate is flexible in nature understanding the performance of the device during flexing is important. For this 2-parallel plate flexural apparatus is fabricated for in-situ measurements along with current voltage measurements. These devices are flexed cyclically and performance of device is evaluated. Therefore, work discussed in the thesis show by modifying the interface of the device, and understanding various interfaces of the device is crucial for improving the performance of the device. Also by engineering the interface, devices can be fabricated on various types of substrate.