Improving uniformity and nanostructure of solution-processed thin films using ultrasonic substrate vibration post treatment (SVPT)

Ultrasonics
Qin Wang, Morteza Eslamian

Abstract

The main goal of this paper is to introduce a novel mechanical method herein terms as substrate vibration post treatment (SVPT) technique, powered by ultrasonic vibration imposed on the substrate to enhance the characteristics and functionality of spun-on thin films or thin films made by similar casting techniques, such as drop and dip coating. In this technique, the as-casted wet films are placed on a substrate vibrated by an ultrasonic transducer with controlled power and duration to improve the film characteristics, such as uniformity and nanostructure. The performance of this technique is examined on spun-on PEDOT: PSS thin films used in polymer and perovskite solar cells and unprecedented results are presented. We first explore the influence of the vibration duration time on the characteristics of the films made by pristine PEDOT: PSS solution, where it is found that the optimized vibration duration for the pristine PEDOT: PSS film is about 10s, resulting in significant increase in the film electrical conductivity and lowered thickness and roughness. In order to further test the generality and merit of the method, thin films made using PEDOT: PSS solution modified with various types of surfactants and cured by the SVPT are...Continue Reading

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