Richard Metzger with Ken Singer
Liquid crystal semiconductor nanostructures
Organic semiconductors are the subject of much study, especially for organic light emitting diodes and photovoltaics. Charge transfer and transport processes are important in this context, and optical spectroscopy on molecular aggregates can yield important information. We will study self-assembly of discotic organic molecules, through the process of aggregation in solution. These assemble into fibrous morphologies via π-π interaction, which allow for conductive planar alignment. Observations of structure and properties will be made via UV-vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence. The growth patterns of the molecules will be studied over varying temperatures and conditions and will be correlated with spectroscopic results.