Slot-die coating parameters of the low-viscosity bulk-heterojunction materials used for polymer solarcells

Slot-die coating is one of the promising methods for fabricating large-area polymer solar cells (PSCs) due to its compatibility with roll-to-roll printing and one-dimensional direct patterning. In this study, we investigated correlations between conformal film morphology of intermixed poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and fullerene derivative [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) material and universal control factors such as shim length, substrate temperature, and coating speed. The observed correlation equation is better matched to the meniscus coating parameter equation rather than to the traditional high-viscosity extrusion slot-die coating parameter equation. Based on our findings regarding the governing factors of the thin film formation of bulk-heterojunction materials, we demonstrated the development of uniform large-area polymer solar cells with power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.07% under Air Mass 1.5condition and the possibility of high-throughput production.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Slot-die coating of low-viscosity P3HT:PCBM bulk-heterojunction materials was studied.
► Newly developed thickness determining equation for positive shim slot-die coating method was presented.
► Maximum power conversion efficiency of 3.07% was obtained by positive shim slot-die coating method.
► Average power conversion efficiency of 2.58% was obtained by high-throughput (5.0 m/min) coating conditions.