Well-aligned Vertically Oriented ZnO Nanorod Arrays and their Application in Inverted Small Molecule Solar Cells

The overall goal of this research is to observe the optical and electrical effects of small molecular solar cells using well-aligned vertically oriented zinc oxide nanorods. Demonstrating the NR growth procedure will be Shang-Hsuan Wu, a research assistant from our lab. A PhD candidate, Widhya Budiawan, will demonstrate device fabrication and measurement.

This method can help answer key questions in the energy harvesting field such as how to increase efficiency of cells and organic photovoltaic devices. The main advantage of this technique is that the process is very low-cost and very compatible with most of the electronic devices. Gather the materials to prepare the substrates.

There should be a sonicator and sources of deionized water, acetone, ethanol, and isopropanol. Also have anti-corrosion tape and a hydrochloric acid bath. Obtain a substrate and begin work.

This idium tin oxide substrate measures approximately 1.5 centimeters squared. Apply anti-corrosion tape to form a square on one of its sides. At this point, put the substrate into hydrochloric acid to etch it.

After 15 minutes, retrieve the substrate. Before proceeding, remove the anti-corrosion tape from the substrate. Then put the substrate into a beaker of deionized water.

Move the beaker to a sonicator and begin sonication. After 30 minutes.