Morphology control in biphasic hybrid systems of semiconducting materials.
Simple blends of inorganic nanocrystals and organic (semiconducting) polymers usually lead to macroscopic segregation. Thus, such blends typically exhibit inferior properties than expected. To overcome the problem of segregation, polymer coated nanocrystals (nanocomposites) have been developed. Such nanocomposites are highly miscible within the polymer matrix. In this Review, a summary of synthetic approaches to achieve stable nanocomposites in a semiconducting polymer matrix is presented. Furthermore, a theoretical background as well as an overview concerning morphology control of inorganic NCs in polymer matrices are provided. In addition, the morphologic behavior of highly anisotropic nanoparticles (i.e. liquid crystalline phase formation of nanorod-composites) and branched nanoparticles (spatial orientation of tetrapods) is described. Finally, the morphology requirements for the application of inorganic/organic hybrid systems in light emitting diodes and solar cells are discussed, and potential solutions to achieve the required morphologies are provided.
Institute for Organic Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55099, Mainz, Germany.
Florian
F
Mathias
Institute for Organic Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55099, Mainz, Germany.|Graduate School Materials Science in Mainz, Staudinger Weg 9, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
Ana
A
Fokina
Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
Katharina
K
Landfester
Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55099, Mainz, Germany.
Wolfgang
W
Tremel
Institute for Physics, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Staudingerweg 7, 55099, Mainz, Germany.
Friederike
F
Schmid
School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The National Creative Research Initiative Center for Intelligent Hybrids, The WCU Program of Chemical Convergence for Energy & Environment, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 151-744, Korea.|Fellow of the GFC (Gutenberg Research College), Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55099, Mainz, Germany.
Kookheon
K
Char
Institute for Organic Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55099, Mainz, Germany.
Rudolf
R
Zentel
D003102:Colloids / Q000737:chemistry; D050866:Liquid Crystals / Q000737:chemistry; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D010720:Phosphines / Q000737:chemistry; D010757:Phosphorous Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D012666:Semiconductors; D012993:Solar Energy
D003102:Colloids; D010720:Phosphines; D010757:Phosphorous Acids; D011108:Polymers; C570063:phosphonic acid
compatibilization; conjugated polymers; morphology; nanocomposites; optoelectronics