Nanoparticle self-assembly to interfaces in polymer-based solar cells

Organic photovoltaic efficiencies are currently limited by low charge carrier diffusion and the need for interpenetrating hole conducting and electron conducting components. In this project the emphasis is in utilizing the entropic, enthalpic and dielectric energies of nanoparticles within thin polymer films to direct self-assembly of organic solar cells’ active layer. This will allow for better structure development of the polymer/nanoparticle system, providing shorter charge carrier pathways to reduce diffusion limitations and allow creation of multiple device components hopefully within one processing step.

Recent publications

E. S. McGarrity, P. M. Duxbury, M. E. Mackay and A. L. Frischknecht, "Calculation of entropic terms governing nanoparticle self-assembly in polymer films," Macromolecules, 41 (2008) 5952-5954.

E. S. McGarrity, A. L. Frischknecht, L. J. D. Frink and M. E. Mackay, "Surface-induced First Order Transition in Athermal Polymer/Nanoparticle Blends," Phys Rev Letters, 99 (2007) 238302-1 - 4.

Group Staff

Graduate Student
Jon Kiel