Description
This research investigates SU-8/Ag conductive polymer composite as patternable alternative for organic photovoltaic application. The architecture of the conductive composite is fabricated by negative tone photolithography. This study demonstrates comparison with percolation theory and published experimental results that, SU-8 polymer exhibits conductive behavior with addition of silver nanopowder within percolation threshold limit (6-10 v %). Patternability is achieved for smallest feature size around 15 _m with layer thickness 150 _m and manual mask alignment. Further, Electrical characterization has been carried out using multi-meter and 4-point probe station for electrical conductivity study of conductive polymer composite. Microscopic analysis using 3D microscope carried out for agglomeration of silver nanoparticles into SU-8 matrix. Finally, filler concentration study through final experiment has been carried out using EDS (Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) characterization. Nevertheless, throughout the research effect of loading of silver nanopowder as filler material, different heat treatments and dissolution of silver nanopowder into SU-8 matrix has been studied. For future research this study provides broad knowledge of conductive polymer composite processing criteria using negative photolithography by focusing on composite mixing methods and solid fabrication parameters for organic solar cell fabrication.
