3-7 July 2023
University of Zululand
Africa/Johannesburg timezone
The Proceedings of SAIP2023 Published: 20 December 2023

Ion beam modification of PANi-PMMA blends for hole transport layer applications in perovskite solar cells

6 Jul 2023, 15:00
20m
University of Zululand

University of Zululand

Oral Presentation Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials Track 1

Speaker

Eulanda Eulanda (Tshwane University of Technology)

Description

Polymer solar cells (PSCs) are a promising alternative for low-cost renewable energy due to their flexibility, simplicity in synthesis, and large-area fabrication. Methyl ammonium lead halide-based hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been extensively studied in recent years because of their high efficiency and low processing costs. Long-term stability, however, remains a challenge as constituent layer materials are susceptible to UV radiation damage and environmental degradation. Polyaniline (PANI), a chemically and thermally stable conducting polymer, shows potential to serve both as a protective barrier and an efficient hole transport layer. Blending PANI with a structurally stable polymer like polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) can address the issue of brittleness and cracking in pure PANI films during drying after spin coating, though at the expense of the electrical conductivity. To enhance the conductivity of the PANI-PMMA blends while maintaining their mechanical stability, doping is crucial. Metal ion implantation offers precise control over dopant dose and distribution, in contrast to conventional chemical doping methods. This paper reports on the structural, optical, and electrochemical characterization of pristine and 30 MeV Au7+ ion-irradiated PANI-PMMA blend films with varying PANI weight concentrations. The topography of the films was investigated with atomic force microscopy (AFM), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy provides insights into the optical properties, while electrochemical measurements assess the activity and stability of the blends. The results highlight the potential of ion beam modified PANI-PMMA blends as hole transport layer materials in perovskite solar cells, contributing to their optimization for renewable energy applications.

Level for award;(Hons, MSc, PhD, N/A)?

MSc

Apply to be considered for a student ; award (Yes / No)? Yes

Primary authors

Eulanda Eulanda (Tshwane University of Technology) Prof. Msimanga Mandla (iThemba LABS, Tandem and Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Department, P. Bag 11, Wits 2050, South Africa) Ms Masenya Mamogo (iThemba LABS, Tandem and Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Department, P. Bag 11, Wits 2050, South Africa)

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