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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Nanocomposites of gold and poly(3-hexylthiophene) containing fullerene moieties: Synthesis, characterization and application in solar cells

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Author(s):
de Freitas, Jilian N. [1] ; Mamo, Messai A. [2, 3] ; Maubane, Manoko [2, 3] ; van Otterlo, Willem A. L. [3, 4] ; Coville, Neil J. [2, 3] ; Nogueira, Ana Flavia [1]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Inst Chem, Lab Nanotechnol & Solar Energy, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Witwatersrand, DST NRF Ctr Excellence Strong Mat, ZA-2050 Johannesburg - South Africa
[3] Univ Witwatersrand, Sch Chem, Inst Mol Sci, ZA-2050 Johannesburg - South Africa
[4] Univ Stellenbosch, Dept Chem & Polymer Sci, ZA-7600 Stellenbosch, Western Cape - South Africa
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: Journal of Power Sources; v. 215, p. 99-108, OCT 1 2012.
Web of Science Citations: 10
Abstract

Functionalized C-60 was reacted with 3-hexylthiophene in the presence of FeCl3 to produce a copolymer (P3HT-C-60) containing 3-hexylthiophene units as the main chain, with C60 side groups. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized in the presence of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), or P3HT-C-60 copolymer, using a two-phase, one-pot reaction involving the reduction of HAuCl4 by NaBH4. This approach resulted in the formation of nanocomposites where AuNPs are directly stabilized with P3HT or P3HT-C-60. All the materials were characterized using UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and were applied as sensitizers or co-sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells. The synergistic effect in the ternary component nanocomposite introduced by the presence of C-60 and AuNPs resulted in devices with higher photocurrents compared to standard devices. (C) 2012 Elsevier By. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 09/15428-0 - Hybrid solar cells with inorganic nanoparticles: investigation of the role of nanoparticles and development of devices with higher efficiencies
Grantee:Jilian Nei de Freitas
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral