Structural Properties of Hybrid Nanoparticle/Polymer Composites for Solar Energy Devices

POSTER

Abstract

Hybrid nanoparticle/polymer composites are promising materials for solar energy applications, because the structural properties of these materials can be manipulated at the relevant nanometer length scales to improve device performance. X-ray scattering measurements coupled with modeling and computer simulation present a powerful framework for characterizing the self-assembled morphologies of these nanostructured materials at the appropriate length scales. We examine herein nanoscale structure and ordering in candidate hybrid nanoparticle/polymer photovoltaics using modeling and simulation. Simulations based closely on X-ray scattering data of these nanocomposite films are performed to probe the underlying structure in these materials. The resulting structural models and aspects of the simulations will be discussed.

Authors

  • Elaine Chan

    • Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

  • Bryan McCulloch

    • University of California, Berkeley
    • Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley

  • Rachel A. Segalman

    • Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California - Berkeley
    • UC Berkeley
    • University of California, Berkeley
    • UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories
    • UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Labs
    • Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley
    • Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley and Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
    • Dept. of Chemical Engineering, UC Berkeley

  • Alexander Hexemer

    • LBNL
    • Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory