Nanostructured Blends of Organic Semiconductors

Organic semiconductors have driven the development of next generation technologies such as printable solar cells, flexible displays, and wearable electronics. Such devices are based on thin films of organic semiconductors, often blended with other semiconductors or nanomaterials. The structure and morphology of a thin film plays a crucial role in the performance and efficiency of organic electronic devices. For instance, charge transport may depend on the size, arrangement, and orientation of crystalline features. X-ray diffraction is a traditional method to study structure, however, it provides limited information for organic semiconductors and their blends. On the other hand, x-ray scattering is a advanced technique to comprehensively study structure in thin films of organic semiconductors. The Müller-Buschbaum Group at the Technical University of Munich is a global leader of x-ray scattering techniques for organic semiconductors. This project studies the relationship between structure and optoelectronic properties of novel organic semiconductors used in green energy applications. This collaboration leverages novel nanocomposites formed by the Shankar group with the advanced characterization expertise of the Müller-Buschbaum group. Our findings will help guide the design of next generation energy materials and represents a step towards the realization of highly efficient photocatalytic and photovoltaic devices.

Faculty Supervisor:

Karthik Shankar

Student:

Partner:

Technical University of Munich

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Clean Technology; Sustainability & the Environment; Nanotechnology

University:

University of Alberta

Program: