Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
One-way to improve organic solar cell efficiency is blending conjugated polymer with a second nanocomposite. We report on blending of freestanding boron- and phosphorous-doped environmental friendly silicon nanocrystals (Si-ncs) with two conjugated polymers i.e. (poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and poly[methoxy-ethylexyloxy-phenylenevinilene] (MEH PPV)). The electrochemical etching and pulverization of doped porous silicon films are used for fabrication of photesensitive Si-ncs/polymers blends. Processing of Si-ncs dispersed in polymers allows simple tuning of the Si-ncs concentrations in the blends. The blends with high Si-ncs concentrations are prepared and opto-electric properties are compared and discussed. Both types of polymers containing doped Si-ncs showed a photoconductivity response under illumination AM1.5 at ambient temperature and atmosphere.