NER: Controlled Processing and Electro-Optical Characterization of Nanoparticles and Conducting Organic Films via Mechanical Pressure, Shear and/or Rolling

University Of California-Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara CA

Investigators

Abstract

ABSTRACT This project will use the Surface Forces Apparatus (SFA) and various electro-optical and x-ray characterization techniques to develop a novel processing method for producing ultra-thin single-crystal films of conducting/semi-conducting organic compounds and nanoparticle films. The new method is based on preliminary results in which applying pressure, rolling and shear to confined organic-liquid films and nanoparticles dispersed in various organic solvents resulted in highly uniform well-ordered nano-thin layers over large areas. Various parameters will be investigated during this new type of mechanical processing in comparison to conventional wet (self-assembly) methods. The SFA allows one to perform simultaneous mechanical and opto-electronic characterization of thin films in situ. The aim will be to adapt this new processing method for efficient large-scale production of high area displays, organic thin film transistors (OTFT), and high area pressure-sensitive QD displays such as touch panels and new light emitting applications. This proposal is being funded by the Chemical and Transport Systems Division Particulate and Multiphase Processes and Interfacial, Transport and Thermodynamics Programs