Probing Charge Carriers in Mixed Ionic-Electronic Conducting Polymers
Abstract:
Conjugated polymers continue to emerge as next-generation electronic materials for mixed ionic-electronic conduction applications, ranging from biomedical sensing to energy storage. However, their development is hampered by a lack of rational design principles due to missing fundamental knowledge about how ion-charge interactions and dynamic polymer nanostructure influence charge transport and storage along polymer chains. In this talk, I will first discuss how we are exploiting the ultrafast dynamics of photoexcited charge carriers to provide details on their nanoscale environment and trapping behavior. Then I will show how in situ electronic and vibrational spectroscopy of polymer electrodes can be used to track their complex nanoscale dynamics during charging, revealing insights into nanostructures that support the formation of mobile carriers.
Bio:
Dr. Chris Grieco is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Auburn University, where his research group develops laser spectroscopy methods to probe charge carriers in conducting polymers used in electrochemical applications ranging from bioelectronics to batteries. Prior to Auburn, Chris earned a PhD in Chemistry at Penn State University where he worked with Prof. John Asbury studying how to improve exciton and charge carrier dynamics in organic molecules and polymers for solar cells. Chris then worked with Prof. Bern Kohler as a postdoctoral scholar at the Ohio State University, where he developed ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy methods for probing the elusive structure and photochemistry of the eumelanin biopigment.
Recent Awards:
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