Improving the Processing and Performance of Organic Photovoltaics using AFM

Solar energy is our most abundant source of renewable energy. Developing lower cost photovoltaic materials would allow solar cells to be deployed more broadly across the globe.

One promising technology in this field is organic photovoltaics, which uses polymeric donor-acceptor molecules. However, challenges remain that prevent mainstream adoption. Photoconversion efficiency lags behind other technologies, and manufacturing processes are not yet environmentally friendly and affordable.

This application note describes how researchers have used the unique capabilities of Asylum Research atomic force microscopes (AFMs) to investigate solutions to these challenges.

Download the application note to learn:

• How phase imaging can directly visualize bulk heterojunction morphology
• How Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy can distinguish donor and acceptor materials
• How AFM roughness measurements can inform thin film production approaches

(Free download, compliments of Asylum Research, the Technology Leader in Atomic Force Microscopy)