Synthesis and application of the solar cell of poly(3-hexylthiophene)/Fe N/titanium dioxide nanocomposite material

A series of nanocomposites of poly(3-hexylthiophene) with Fe N-doped TiO2 (P3HT/Fe N/TiO2) were synthesized by the chemical method in situ. The structure of the prepared composites was characterized using X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Optical and electrochemical properties were determined using UV–vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. These tests indicated that P3HT/Fe N/TiO2 is a new p–n semiconductor. Two solar cells based on P3HT/Fe N/TiO2 were manufactured and studied.

The binding energy of Ti2p became large during the complex process, indicating that there were electrons transfer and Fe N/TiO2 was combined with P3HT at the Ti position.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► A new p–n semiconductor of poly(3-hexylthiophene) with Fe N-doped TiO2 was synthesized.
► The new semiconductor showed improved conductivity.
► The interaction between P3HT and nano-Fe N/TiO2 was confirmed.