Real-Time Studies of Solution-Processed Organic Semiconductor Thin Films

溶液处理有机半导体薄膜的实时研究

• 批准号: 1307017
• 负责人: Randall Headrick
• 金额: $ 37.19万
• 依托单位: University of Vermont & State Agricultural College
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Continuing Grant
• 财政年份: 2013
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2013-07-01 至 2017-06-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1307017&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Real; Time; Studies; Solution; Processed

Technical Description: The goal of this research project is to understand in detail and to control molecular self-organization processes, utilizing a simple thin film deposition instrument, the "hollow pen writer," for depositing 10 - 100 nanometer thin films of small-molecule organic semiconductors from solution. The hollow pen writer provides a surprising degree of control over the properties of organic semiconductor thin films, in some ways far surpassing the results obtainable with conventional vapor deposition. The research team utilizes this method to study the relationships between process parameters and film properties, such as crystalline grain structure and grain boundary density. These studies feature real-time analysis techniques such as optical video microscopy and synchrotron x-ray diffraction, which are necessary in order to follow crystallization processes on time scales from milliseconds to minutes and to monitor and distinguish molecular short-range order versus long-range order. In addition, charge carrier transport in test devices such as organic field effect transistors are studied as a function of grain structure and built-in or applied stress.Non-Technical Description: Organic semiconductors are designed at the molecular level to exhibit useful properties, and they promise the realization of a new generation of electronic circuits and solar cells. This research activity addresses a key step in optimal utilization of organic electronic materials, the organization of individual molecules into crystalline form through controllable processes such as coating from a liquid solution into a thin layer. Packing of molecules into crystals as well as the structure of crystal boundaries profoundly affects the properties of thin films. The research team seeks to understand the mechanisms inherent to solution processing in order to evaluate, understand, exploit, and predict the potential of new functional materials that are being synthesized at an ever-increasing rate. The societal impact of the research is amplified by innovative teaching methods and by pursuing community outreach objectives, including: an undergraduate teaching lab to make organic solar cells, enhanced through online tools for analyzing and discussing results; lectures and demonstrations designed to engage the public in a discussion of the science and applications of energy, light, materials, and nano-materials.

技术描述：本研究项目的目标是详细了解和控制分子的自组织过程，利用一种简单的薄膜沉积仪器--空心笔，从溶液中沉积10-100纳米的小分子有机半导体薄膜。这种空心笔写入器提供了对有机半导体薄膜性质的惊人程度的控制，在某些方面远远超过了传统的气相沉积所获得的结果。研究小组利用这种方法来研究工艺参数与薄膜性能之间的关系，如晶体结构和晶界密度。这些研究以光学视频显微镜和同步加速器X射线衍射等实时分析技术为特色，这些技术对于在从毫秒到分钟的时间尺度上跟踪结晶过程以及监测和区分分子的短程有序性和长程性是必要的。此外，还研究了测试设备中的载流子传输，如有机场效应晶体管，作为颗粒结构和内置或外加应力的函数。非技术描述：有机半导体是在分子水平上设计的，以显示有用的特性，它们有望实现新一代电子电路和太阳能电池。这项研究活动涉及优化利用有机电子材料的关键步骤，即通过可控的过程将单个分子组织成晶体形式，例如从液体溶液涂覆成薄层。分子在晶体中的堆积以及晶界的结构深刻地影响着薄膜的性质。研究小组试图了解溶液处理所固有的机制，以便评估、理解、开发和预测正在以越来越快的速度合成的新功能材料的潜力。这项研究的社会影响通过创新的教学方法和追求社区外展目标得到放大，包括：一个制造有机太阳能电池的本科教学实验室，通过分析和讨论结果的在线工具得到加强；旨在让公众参与能源、光、材料和纳米材料的科学和应用讨论的讲座和演示。