1. Nanoscale Engineering of Photovoltaic Materials Based on Carbon and Dichalcogenide Nanotubes (In collaboration with Prof. Matt Espe (University of Akron)Prof. Jose J. Gutierrez (University of Texas)

Photovoltaic devices consisting of composites of conducting polymer and semiconductors, while having the advantage of being less costly to produce, flexible and suffer from relatively low power conversion efficiencies. One of the critical factors that control the efficiency of these materials is the bulk hetero-junction that is formed between the polymer and semiconductor. Higher efficiencies are predicted with an increase in the surface area of the hetero-junction (more sites for rapid charge transfer), closer contact between the two materials (stronger electronic coupling to increase charge transfer rates) and increased order in the conducting polymer (increasing hole transport properties of the polymer).

In collaboration with colleagues based at UA and UTB we will:
1) develop surface treatments of semiconductor nanomaterials, and optimize processing techniques to enhance polymer/semiconductor interactions and
2) develop molecular level characterization of the polymer/semiconductor interface using a range of techniques available at Surrey and at the laboratories of collaborators.

2. Properties and Applications of Multifunctional Carbon Nanotube Assemblies

Numerous applications, from molecular electronics to super-strong composites, have been suggested for carbon nanotubes. Despite this promise, difficulty in assembling raw carbon nanotubes into functional structures is a deterrent for applications. In contrast, biological materials have evolved to self-assemble, and the lessons of their self-assembly can be applied to synthetic materials such as carbon nanotubes. By coating carbon nanotubes with biological ‘building block’ molecules it is possible to assemble them into macroscopic structures offering a new route to control the physical properties of nanotube systems at all length scales. This project will focus on understanding and engineering the interface between biological macromolecules and carbon nanotubes using a range of spectroscopic and microscopic characterization techniques including Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy and time-resolved spectroscopy.

 Contact a.dalton@surrey.ac.uk