Hi, I'm making organic solar cells. When a little amount from the active layer bulk heterojunction solution (P3HT:PCBM in chlorobenzene) is left over from a previous experiment, can I use it in a future experiment? Doesn't it affect the morpholgy of the layer, effeciency of the opv, etc.?
I'm asking this because the materials are very expensive for us and even a little amount of saving is helpful!
If the solution stored under proper conditions of temperature and light exposure and sealing it can preserve its chemical composition unchanged. I assume that the condition of storing the mixture is the same as storing the components of the system. Please for storing condition please see the link:https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/content/dam/sigma-aldrich/docs/Aldrich/Bulletin/698997bul.pdf
If there is no prior experimental results you have to run the experiment your self to see how the storing of the solution will age it.
Best wishes
Hi Mohammad,
If you make organic solar cell with relatively old solution that's not problem as long as you keep it inside glove box, and seal it properly. You have to put it on hotplate at temperature when you first synthesize it. We have to also consider how long you store it.
However, if you want high efficiency devices, use new solution is better. The old solution will have lower efficiency and the solution will slightly have higher viscosity.
Good luck
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