Our research focuses on the photophysics of organic optoelectronic materials and nanodevices. We develop state-of-the-art ultrafast laser spectroscopy tools to observe and control molecular-scale dynamics in plastic solar cells, flexible transistors, quantum-dot photodetectors and other functional nanosystems. The prospective work includes charge-transport properties of proteins, ultrafast switching of organic transistors, and time-resolved spectroscopy on the scale of single molecules.
Research areas
- Organic Solar cells
- Structural and electronic dynamics in perovskites
- Vibrational control
- Ultrafast electrochemistry and solar fuels
Organic Solar cells
Structural and electronic dynamics in perovskites
Vibrational control
Ultrafast electrochemistry and solar fuels
Artificial Phsotosynthetic systems based on transition metal oxides, such as Fe2O3 or Cu2O, can be used to store solar energy as fuels in the form of chemical bonds. The absorption of light in these systems triggers a cascade of transformations ranging from changes in oxidation state to distortions of the atomic structure. These changes happen within femtoseconds following light absorption and determine the properties of the photocatalytic material. We use spectroscopic techniques based on X-Ray and IR radiation to probe these ultrafast transformations and correlate them with catalytic activities. Using X-rays, we are able to probe changes in the electronic structure of metal oxides and elucidate which correlations impact device performance. Using IR "pump-push" techniques, we can determine photocurrent loss mechanisms in photoelectrochemical devices and elucidate how control of vibrational modes can help improve catalytic yields.