Processing-Morphology-Property Relations in Inkjet-Printed Organic Photovoltaics

Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) are an emerging alternative technology to silicon-based solar cells. Our group uses the technique of inkjet-printing (IJP) to manufacture OPVs. This allows precise patterning on a small scale with minimal material waste. Given that the use of IJP has been limited when it comes to the manufacturing of OPVs, we have been trying to shed light on the inter-dependence of crystallinity and processing parameters in inkjet-printed OPVs. So far, we have explored parameters such as the choice of solvent(s), addition of ternary components and printing temperature. This time, we propose the study of microstructural changes brought about by drying behaviour and the use of different acceptors. Concretely, this implies uncovering the molecular arrangement and formation of crystalline domains when 1) processing with solvents of different boiling points and 2) the use of different acceptors in the active layer.