Scanning Kelvin Probe Investigations of TiO₂Nanoparticles/Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Hybrid Blends

Abstract

This work presents a scanning Kelvin probe microscopy (SKPM) study of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT):TiO2 nanoparticle hybrid layers under dark and light conditions. This method gives information on the topography and local work function at the nanometer scale. TiO2 nanoparticles prepared by the chemical method are dispersed in P3HT organic matrix in the form of agglomerates as revealed by topography and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images. Upon illumination, the SKPM image shows an excess of photogenerated electrons present in the polymer phase. A correlation between morphology and surface photovoltage is presented.