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