+PROFITABLE +EFFICIENT +ECOLOGICAL
Molecular semiconductors are revolutionizing technology and replacing classical hard materials now used in devices such as solar cells. Québec includes international leaders in molecular electronics. The Perepichka group has correlated bulk electrical properties (such as charge mobility) with underlying molecular structure and packing in the solid state. This has led to the development of semiconductors with record-breaking performance in light-effect transistors, and the group has taken this approach further by demonstrating a crystal-engineering route to molecular materials for use in solar cells. The Hanan and Skene groups have an industrial collaboration with St-Jean Photochimie to discover innovative dyes for use in solar cells. Solar cells and other devices based on thin layers of molecular materials have attractive features, including flexibility and inexpensive large-scale fabrication, but their efficiency remains low. A primary goal of the Wuest group is to learn how to optimize the nanoscale organization of the molecular components and ensure that the structure remains essentially unchanged during operation of the device. Making progress in this area requires strong skills in molecular design and synthesis, combined with a deep understanding of molecular interactions.
RESEARCHERS
Prof. Dmitrii F. Perepichka (McGill University), Prof. Garry S. Hanan (Université de Montréal), Prof. William Skene (Université de Montréal), and Prof. James D. Wuest (Université de Montréal)
COMPANY
Xerox, Solaris Chem, St-Jean Photochimie