Directed assembly of nanocrystals for tuneable semiconducting polymer composites

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Semiconducting polymer/nanocrystal composites are attracting great interest for applications in next generation solar cells, light emitting diodes and photonic materials. They can combine the advantages of both the organic and inorganic components and are based on a wide suite of possible materials and structures with potential for low cost manufacture. Controlling the structural arrangements (morphology) of semiconducting polymer/nanocrystal composites is a key challenge that has major implications for next generation optoelectronic devices. These devices detect and control or emit light. Here, we focus on semiconducting polymer/nanocrystal composites with potential solar energy applications. Building on our proof-of-principle study we aim to combine control of nanocrystal geometry and composition with their spatial arrangements within semiconducting polymer/nanocrystal composites to establish solar cells with improved efficiencies. We will construct new nanocrystals and establish new methods for achieving precisely controlled morphologies within polymer/nanocrystal composites using approaches that are scaleable and potentially low cost. A successful outcome to this study would result in a step-change in polymer/nanocrystal composite morphology control and a new generation of high efficiency polymer/nanocrystal solar cells.