Influence of molecular weight distribution on the gelation of P3HT and its impact on the photovoltaic performance

Markus Koppe, Christoph J. Brabec, Sabrina Heiml, Alois Schausberger, Warren Duffy, Martin Heeney, Iain McCulloch

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

143 Scopus citations

Abstract

P3HT is a semirigid and semicrystalline polymer with a strong tendency to postcrystallize in solid films upon thermal annealing. Recent investigations snowed that macroscopic, crystalline P3HT fibers can already be precipitated from solution, depending on the combination of solvent systems used. In this paper we investigate the mechanism and the dynamics of gelation in P3HT solutions. Rheological and absorption measurements in solution reveal a distinct two-step mechanism. In a first step, aggregates are formed which, in a second step, link to each other into a thermoreversible gel. The correlation between the gelation dynamics and the molecular weight distribution is discussed in more detail for a nonhazardous, printing friendly solvent system.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4661-4666
Number of pages6
JournalMacromolecules
Volume42
Issue number13
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 14 2009
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry

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