Synthesis and characterization of tanninsulfonic acid doped polyaniline (TANIPANI)-metal oxide nano composites for solar cell applications

Nanocomposites of polyaniline have gained much importance due to their improved electronic properties. The presence of metal oxides in the nanocomposites may enhance the photovoltaic effect and increase the efficiency of solar cells. We have synthesized tanninsulfonic acid doped polyaniline (TANI-PANI) composites in view of preparing metal oxide complexed composites due to the presence of o-catechol in tannin. Tanninsulfonic acid doped polyaniline (TANIPANI)-TiO 2 or Al2O3 nanocomposites were synthesized by varying the amount of TiO2 from 10% to 70% (with respect to the mass of aniline) and by carrying out the synthesis at -10° C. Covalent bonding of the metal oxide and tannin to polyaniline was confirmed by the UV-visible and FTIR studies. The linearity of the polyaniline was confirmed by the 820 cm-1 peak in FTIR spectrum. The crystallinity of the composites was assessed by the XRD analysis. The thermal stability and metal oxide content in the composites were assessed by thermogravimetric analysis. The electrical properties of the composites were determined by bulk conductivity measurements. Intrinsically conducting polymers have been used as hole conducting layers in various kinds of the organic solar cells. Polyaniline has been used as a hole conducting layer in organic solar cells for generating low cost photovoltaics. Photovoltaic (PV) device efficiencies of greater than 6.5% have been achieved in hybrid organic solar cells over the last decade. Polyaniline has been used as an intermediate layer. These polymer nanocomposite materials have potential use as active layers in organic photovoltaics, where the metal oxide has replaced C60 as an electron acceptor. The results of these studies will be presented along with data from hybrid (organic/inorganic) Photovoltaic devices incorporating these materials.