Surface Analytical Investigation on Organic Donor-Acceptor Interfaces

技术：本项目利用表面分析探针研究小分子有机光伏材料的界面。实验研究的目的是了解界面电子结构和供体-受体界面激子解离的基本方面。主要实验技术包括x射线光发射光谱、紫外光发射光谱和逆光发射光谱。通过观察光致发光光谱强度的猝灭来测量供体-受体界面的激子解离。利用时间分辨双光子光谱学研究了施主-受主界面上的电荷转移动力学。采用x射线光发射光谱法研究界面化学。用扫描隧道显微镜、原子力显微镜和近场扫描光学显微镜对有机层的形貌进行了表征。该项目还将通过制造和表征基于表面分析调查结果制造的简单有机光伏设备，来测试通过表面/界面分析开发的概念。非技术：该项目涉及材料科学主题领域的基础研究问题，具有高技术相关性。它解决了对有机光伏发电的基本理解，有机光伏发电是一种有前途的可再生和环境友好型能源。该项目的一个主要部分是通过先进有机材料和器件以及材料表面/界面表征的跨学科研究，对研究生和本科生进行教育和培训。该项目的一个重点是通过罗彻斯特大学为女性提供的大学预科物理体验等项目，为初高中学生提供早期研究机会。

Technical: This project studies the interfaces in small-molecule organic photovoltaic materials using surface analytical probes. The objective of the experimental research is to understand the fundamental aspects of the interface electronic structures and the exciton dissociation at the donor-acceptor interfaces. The main experimental techniques include x-ray photoemission spectroscopy, ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy, and inverse photoemission spectroscopy. Exciton dissociation at the donor-acceptor interfaces is measured by observing the quenching of the photoluminescence spectroscopy intensity. The charge transfer dynamics across the donor-acceptor interfaces is investigated with time-resolved two-photon photoemission spectroscopy. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy is used to study the interface chemistry. The morphology of the organic layers is characterized with scanning tunneling microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and near-field scanning optical microscopy. The project will also test the concepts developed through the surface/interface analysis by fabricating and characterize simple organic photovoltaic devices fabricated based on the findings of surface analytical investigations.Non-technical: The project addresses basic research issues in a topical area of materials science with high technological relevance. It addresses fundamental understanding of organic photovoltaics, a promising candidate important for renewable and environmentally friendly energy source. A major part of the project is educating and training graduate and undergraduate students through interdisciplinary research in advanced organic materials and devices and in materials surface/interface characterization. A strong focus of the program is providing early exposure of research to middle and high school students through programs including University of Rochester Pre-College Experience in Physics for women.