RESEARCH

The research in Guo group focuses on studying nano- and organic materials at molecular level. The performances of organic electronic devices are strongly influenced by the domain/aggregate morphology, molecular packing, and the conformational structures of the organic/polymer molecules. A deep understanding of the structure-conformation-property relationships at a microscopic scale is imperative for the future fulfillments of the idea of rational molecular design. We use a combination of experimental and theoretical methods, including atomic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, thin film fabrications, fluorescence microscopy, IR, UV-vis spectroscopy, and modeling, to investigate a variety of functional material systems.

CONJUGATED POLYMER AGGREGATES

We study the aggregation of conjugated polymers in order to understand the packing dynamics of conjugated polymer chains. In particular, the early stage of nanoaggregates are closely investigated to reveal the mechanisms of aggregation and their influence on local electronic properties.

CHEMICAL DOPING

Another aspect of our research is chemical doping of organic materials. The fast-growing field of organic electronics in the last two decades comes with a matching demand for a variety of functional organic materials. So far the performances of most organic electronic materials still lag behind their inorganic counterparts. Incorporating dopants into organic semiconductor materials can greatly enhance the electronic properties of the doped materials. By studying the changes of morphology and properties in doped organic materials, we hope to gain deep insights on the doping mechanisms and kinetics.