Polymerization and tuning optical property of PCBM

Solution processable organic photovoltaics (PV) materials with improved optical properties are required for enhanced device efficiency and ease of manufacture or development. In this study, polymerization and improved optical properties of phenyl-C61-buryric acid methyl ester (PC60BM) or PCBM is achieved through the use of UV-ozone exposure and inorganic semiconductor materials doping, respectively. The polymerization of PCBM is attained using solid state modification of the material by UV-ozone exposure, which results in C-O-C bonding between the PCBM molecules. On the other hand, the optical property of the PCBM, absorption and transmission, is tuned by doping of ZnO and TiO₂ nanoparticles. Both methods are easy-to do approaches and can have practical application in improved OPV device fabrication.