Synthesis of nanoparticles of P3HT and PCBM for optimizing morphology in polymeric solar cells

Nanoparticles (NPs) with opposite charges of a donor polymer, poly(3-hexyl thiophene) (P3HT) and an acceptor molecule, phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) were synthesized using simple mini-emulsion technique. The NPs were examined by dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to confirm the formation of the NPs. The NPs were assembled into thin films by spin-coating of a blend of the NPs dispersion. The built-up of a five layered film was monitored by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. Our preliminary study demonstrated that a solar cell made from an annealed NP film can exhibit photovoltaic response.