Nanostructured Soft Materials 2

This module gives an introduction into Nanostructured Soft Materials with emphasis on optical and electrical properties:

• photonic crystals: self assembly processes, optical properties, 3D ordered macroporous materials and applications
• transparent contacts: percolation threshold with nanoparticle based systems, conductive polymers, application in devices
• conductive elastomers: structuring of dry adhesives with conductive fillers
• metal-polymer composites: top down and bottom up nanofabrications, metal nanoparticle self assemblies
• organic photovoltaics: principal built-up of organic solar cell, steps in energy conversion, characterization of solar cells, morphology of active layers
• nanostructured soft matter in recent developments of devices for energy conversion and storage: lithium ion batteries, super capacitors and thermoelectrics

After participation in the module the student is able to:

1. evaluate different areas of application of photonic crystals
2. understand the design of transparent contacts concerning transmission and sheet resistance
3. apply the bio-inspired materials approach for new-developed nanostructured soft materials
4. analyze the different types of polymer-metal composites including metal nanoparticles in polymer matrix
5. evaluate different approaches in organic photovoltaics
6. understand the role of nanostructured soft materials for devices in the field of energy conversion and energy storage

No preconditions in addition to the requirements for the Master’s program in Physics.

The contents of the lectures will be given by presentation with the beamer and discussion with board work. The exercise class will consist of group work where the students solve problems under the guidance of a tutor. Consultation hours are an optional additional offer for clarification of further questions on the lecture contents in individual talks with the lecturer.

 Exercises will be made available one week before each class via accompanying internet site.

• Hamley, I.W. Introduction to Soft Matter (Wiley) Chichester, 2000 •
• Jones, R.A.L. Soft Condensed Matter (OUP) Oxford, 2002 •
• Kleman, M. & Lavrentovich, O.D. Soft Matter Physics (Springer) Berlin, 2003 •
• Daoud, M. & Williams, C.E. Soft Matter Physics (Springer) Berlin, 1999

There will be an oral exam of 30 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using comprehension questions and examples.

For example an assignment in the exam might be:

• 1. Describe the basic set-up of an organic solar cell.
• 2. Explain the morphology of the active layer with its donor and acceptor components using words, drawings and diagrams
• 3. Describe how the performance of a transparent contact can be characterized
• 4. How can transparent contacts be achieved for mechanically flexible substrates?

In the exam no learning aids are permitted.

Participation in the exercise classes is strongly recommended since the exercises prepare for the problems of the exam and rehearse the specific competencies.