| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/T06568/01 |
| Title: |
Self-assembly strategies for organic semiconductors probed by time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy |
| Principal Investigator: |
Herz, Professor LM |
| Other Investigators: |
|
| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
|
| Project Partners: |
|
| Department: |
Oxford Physics |
| Organisation: |
University of Oxford |
| Scheme: |
First Grant Scheme Pre-FEC |
| Starts: |
07 June 2004 |
Ends: |
06 June 2007 |
Value (£): |
120,314
|
| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Condensed Matter Physics |
Materials Characterisation |
| Materials Synthesis & Growth |
|
|
| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
|
| Related Grants: |
|
| Panel History: |
|
|
Summary on Grant Application Form |
|
This proposal describes an investigation into exciton diffusion dynamics in organic semiconductors whose intermolecular interactions have been tailored through self-assembly based on supramolecular chemistry. Organic conjugated polymers and molecules have emerged over the last decade as cheaper and more flexible alternatives to existing semiconductor technology. Central issues in these systems are intermolecular packing and degradation effects, which have a profound impact on the performance of devices such as solar cells, transistors and light-emitting displays. The work outlined in this proposal aims to investigate two novel self-assembly strategies to address these issues.Firstly, an approach will be examined which utilizes hydrogen-bonding to assemble conjugated molecules in solution into extended supramolecular nanostructures. Using time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, the degree of intermolecular order achieved for different assembly techniques will be determined both in solution and in thin films cast under a variety of conditions. As a result, suggestions and recipes will be developed on how to optimise solution-casting processes for supramolecular assemblies. Exciton diffusivities will be measured for these supramolecular assemblies and, in collaboration with Chemists highly specialized in the synthesis of such materials, conclusions will be drawn on how intermolecular interactions can be tailored to optimise this important parameter.Secondly, thin films of polyrotaxanes will be investigated, which comprise conjugated polymer chains surrounded by insulating molecular beads threaded onto the chain through self-assembly in solution. For such films, the dynamics of photoexcitations will be measured and the effect of rotaxination on chain arrangement and luminescence efficiency will be inferred. In addition, mechanisms will be explored by which rotaxination reduces photodegradation effects in conjugated polymer films.
|
|
Key Findings |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Potential use in non-academic contexts |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Impacts |
|
| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
|
| Date Materialised |
|
|
|
|
Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
| Project URL: |
|
| Further Information: |
|
| Organisation Website: |
http://www.ox.ac.uk |