Solution-Processed Inorganic Composites with Mixed Transport Characteristics

Laboratory Directed Research and Development

Delia Milliron

This project aims to develop a generalized methodology for deposition of inorganic nanocomposites with controlled composition, morphology, and phase of the component materials. The focus is on demonstrating control over mixed transport properties by independent selection of the matrix material and the nanoparticle inclusions. The resulting complex functionality will enable the preparation of optimized electrolyte switching, electrochromic, photovoltaic, and thermoelectric materials, for example.
Composites will be prepared from separately synthesized colloidal nanoparticles and molecular precursors, each processed individually from solution, followed by thermal conversion of the precursors to form the matrix material. To maintain the integrity of the nanocrystals, precursors will be synthesized which decompose at low temperature. The modularity of the proposed process will be leveraged to vary the composition of each component in order to independently tune transport characteristics such as ionic and electronic conductivity.