CRC: Using Self-Organization to Control Morphology in Semiconducting Polymers

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This award supports the collaborative efforts of Benjamin J. Schwartz, Yves F. Rubin and Sarah H. Tolbert to develop functional polymer composite materials for photovoltaics. This project takes three complementary approaches to control the conjugated polymer morphology leading to efficient charge separation and electrical continuity. The first approach will control phase segregation in conjugated polymer/fullerene blends using electrostatic interactions between oppositely-charged polymers and fullerene derivatives. The second approach will use a semiconducting polymer donor contained within a periodic nanoporous inorganic framework that functions as the electron acceptor. The third approach will use self-assembly to directly create nanoperiodic conjugated polymer/electron-acceptor networks using novel amphiphilic conjugated polymers. Conjugated polymers are novel materials combining the optical and electrical properties of semiconductors with the processing advantage and mechanical properties of plastics. This set of properties can lead to improved optoelectronic devices and potentially low-cost, efficient solar cells. This project is funded through the Collaborative Research in Chemistry Program (CRC) and provides outstanding opportunities for undergraduates and graduate students in organic and inorganic synthetic chemistry, physical properties measurements, and device development and testing. The team also has a strong outreach program to public high schools in Los Angeles.