Organic Mixed Ionic Electronic Conductors (OMIECs) are a set of organic semiconducting materials that conduct both electronic and ionic charge in an electrolyte. When OMIECs are electrochemically oxidized or reduced, counter-ions will enter the film to compensate the electronic charge. This process of ion injection is a crucial one for the optimization of these materials in applications such as organic batteries and capacitors. My research will focus on probing and understanding the electrochemical and electrostatic relationship between these charges in conjugated polymers. Utilizing a wide range of characterization techniques, including XRD and AFM, I will investigate the physical relationship between these electronic and ionic charges, showing that charge motion is limited by the polymer film’s morphology and nanostructure, and the counter-ions polarity. Understanding what limits morphology has on charge motion and storage will lead to better designed materials for applications in energy storage.
Advisor: David Ginger – Chemistry