Urgent overhaul of an integrated glovebox/evaporator system for polymer device processing

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Conjugated polymers are the only known materials that possess both the mechanical and processing advantages of plastics as well as the electrical and optical properties of semiconductors. Some conjugated polymers exhibit conductivity close to that of metal when chemically or electrochemically doped; some are excellent light emitters or photoconductors, with easily tunable energy gap. The versatile conjugated polymers are being vigorously researched worldwide for a wide range of potential applications that include displays, panel lighting and clean electricity generation. The goals of my research are (1) to develop the most efficient and stable polymer photonic devices for practical applications, and (2) to understand the underlying materials and device physics. An indispensable piece of equipment for my research is a custom-made MBraun integrated glove box/evaporator system for polymer device processing. The RTI grant would be used to replace/update several key components of the system in order to ensure its continuous operation. The overhauled MBraun system will allow me to continue my NSERC sponsored research on cutting edge polymer light-emitting devices and polymer solar cells. The system also offer training opportunity for many HQPs and foster collaboration for interdisciplinary research.