Multifunctional materials: structure and properties

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Nanostructured materials are interesting model systems due to their unusual, size-dependent and often unexpected properties. A deeper knowledge of such systems holds the promise of optimizing the performance of electronic and optoelectronic devices, and could be the key to master promising technologies (e.g. solar cells, light emitting devices). In addition, the ability to control structural synthesis on the nanometer length scale will allow to develop new functional materials with unprecedented properties. Recent studies highlighted the potential of multifunctional materials, which simultaneously exhibit two or more functionalities, also showing that the properties of such materials are often enhanced at the nanoscale. Given the undeniable scientific and technological interest in strengthening research and training in Nanoscale Science and Technology in Canada, I am leading a vigorous research program on the growth, processing and characterization of multifunctional nanomaterials. We synthesize such systems, then employ advanced characterization techniques for their morphological and chemical analysis, with the ultimate goal of understanding and controlling structure/property relations. Subsequently we implement these nanoscale building blocks into optoelectronic devices. We focus on optimizing device performance such as Photovoltaic (PV) efficiency, and using these materials to generate H2. This approach has been highly successful, leading to the world record of power conversion efficiency in Ferroelectric PV [Nature Photonics 9, 61 (2015)] and other instances of breakthrough performance in Quantum Dot Solar Cells [Adv.Func.Mater. 27, 1401468 (2017)] and Photoelectrochemical H2 production [Nano Energy 27, 265 (2016); Nano Energy 31, 441 (2017)]. In conclusion, the proposed research program describes a balanced mix between building on recent successes and pursuing several novel directions of discovery. It will foster focused multidisciplinary research in advanced materials processing and characterization and device fabrication and testing, consistently with specific needs of the high technology Canadian industry. In particular, it will contribute to (i) identify optimal synthesis conditions for MF films to enhance their properties for ferroelectric PV; (ii) probe QD/metal oxide interfaces and exploit them to optimize the performance of QDSCs, leading to record values of PCE; (iii) exploit core/shell QDs to improve the long term stability of PEC devices for H2 production; (iv) understand the effect of carbon doping in improving the stability and efficiency of DSSCs; (v) investigate the transition states during surface polymerization reactions and use this knowledge to realize large scale 2D conjugated polymers. Last but not least, we will train highly qualified personnel to respond to the scientific and technological challenges of modern society.