Optimization oof nanopillar dimensions for maximum light absorption

Conductive organic polymers such as Poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) P3HT, and Poly{2,2′-[(2,5-bis(2-hexyldecyl)-3,6-dioxo-2,3,5,6- tetrahydropyrrolo[3,4-c ]pyrrole-1,4-diyl)dithiophene]- 5,5′-diyl-alt-thiophen-2,5-diyl} PDPP3T are being studied for use in solar cells due to their flexibility, cost effectiveness, and low environmental impact when compared to traditional inorganic thin films. However, these organic polymers do not yet have the same efficiency as their inorganic counterparts and are not being largely produced. It is established that replacing thin films with nanopillars enhances the light absorption when the diameter of the nanopillar is less than that of the wavelength of light. We fabricate P3HT nanopillars with approximate diameters of 76 nm using a porous alumina template. We will be optimizing the dimensions (diameter, height and interval) of the nanopillars for maximum light absorption of wavelengths between 400-700 nm. The dimensions of the pores can be controlled by varying the timing of the pore widening process which in turn changes the dimensions of the nanopillars. We aim to fabricate nanopillars of various polymers and compare the intensity of absorption of their thin films with the nanopillars using UV-Vis spectroscopy.