We are currently exploring mechanochemical routes to improve charge transport within conductive polymer networks for solar heterojunctions. Heterometallic dicyanoaurate-based coordination polymers were used as intercalative hosts to promote in-situ growth of emeraldine polyaniline, which provides electron conduction pathways within the active layer. Laponite clay nanoparticles were used to direct the self-assembly of the bicontinuous polymer networks and nanomorphology within the nanocomposites. We have investigated the influence of concentration, time of grinding, and solvent on composite nanomorphology using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Infrared and electronic absorption spectroscopy were also used to verify polymer oxidation state and to probe polymer-polymer and polymer-nanoparticle interactions.

Mechanochemical routes to bicontinuous conductive polymer networks for solar applications

247th National Meeting (2014)

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