High Resolution Optical Microscopy Studies of Aggregation and Dynamics in Photoactive Self-Assembled Polyelectrolyte-Surfactant Composites

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Professor Daniel Higgins of Kansas State University is supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program and the Solid State Chemistry Program to develop amphiphilic, ionic, surface-active di-imides to be used along with common polyelectrolytes in the preparation of composite photoactive thin films. The experiments involve near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) for resolution of the typically 50-100 nm aggregates. Multiphoton-excited fluorescence anisotropy measurements (MPEFM) are used to study chromophore organization. Dynamical versions of these two experiments provide information about the rates of charge carrier generation and migration. Film morphology and other data about the bulk materials are studied using small-angle X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy. The films may ultimately be useful in organic photoconductors and photovoltaics. Further development of this class of materials promises to make available display and energy technologies, for example solar cells, that are flexible, moldable and self-healing.