Functionalized Zinc Oxide for Improved Organic Photovoltaic Systems

Results of molecular modification of the zinc oxide (ZnO) surface to improve the performance of hybrid ZnO nanowire/polymeric solar cells are reported. Tailoring the organic/inorganic interface to affect charge transfer, polymer morphology, and material compatibility becomes essential to device performance. Molecular treatments of the ZnO allows for modification and control of interfacial properties. This study involves surface modification of ZnO using octadecyltriethoxysilane (OTES) and phenyltriethoxysilane (PTES) in conjunction with an n-butylaminc catalyst. Optical spectroscopy, along with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are used to characterize molecular treatments of ZnO nanorod arrays. This research is motivated by organic solar cell applications, yet is a model system for developing techniques applicable to a broad range of hybrid organic/inorganic systems.