Controlling the morphology of poly(3-hexylthiophene)/methanofullerene film through a dynamic-cooling and freeze-drying process

A dynamic‐cooling and freeze‐drying (DCFD) process has been applied to the fabrication of polymer solar cells. The dynamic‐cooling process allows poly(3‐hexylthiophene) molecules to aggregate in solution into a more organized structure during the cooling process; the freeze‐drying process prevents severe agglomeration of [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) during the solvent removing process. Application of these two processes to the preparation of the poly(3‐hexylthiophene)/methanofullerene photoactive layer results in an enhanced poly(3‐hexylthiophene) aggregation and smaller PCBM agglomerates. Devices fabricated using the DCFD process generate 14% more in current density than those prepared by the spin‐coating process under AM1.5G illumination. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry A dynamic‐cooling and freeze‐drying (DCFD) process enhances aggregation of P3HT and prevents PCBM from severe aggregation. Current density of the devices fabricated by DCFD process increase by 14%.