N-010-IPCP-2
Passport of joint Russian-U.S. project
1. Title
Design of Novel Polymeric Composite Materials based on graphene-like structures and
quantum dots for Energy applications
2. Abstract
Joint proposal of the Institute of Problems of Chemical Physics Russian Academy of
Science (IPCP RAS), the Scientific Center in Chernogolovka RAS (SCC RAS) (Russia) – the
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) (USA).
Development of the scientific foundations to design and synthesize novel functional
materials for applications in Clean Energy Technologies has become a major goal for many
research institutions around the world. Pressing issues such as the continuous growth of energy
consumption and gas emissions dictate urgency in the search for alternative ways of energy
generation and storage, efficiency of its use and transportation, reduction of gas emission and
carbon capture. Combining the efforts of various research teams and expertise working in these
areas will strongly accelerate progress in development of novel technologies. The proposed USRussia collaborations are the first step in combining efforts of two countries in solving these
global problems.
In the last years attention of scientists was focused on the materials based on graphene, in
connection with opportunities to involve it in many different applications, from nanoelectronic
devices and catalysis to antibacterial drugs. Graphene oxide (GO) – graphene modified with
functional groups – can have properties of semiconductor (with band gap from meV up to
several eV) or dielectric depending on synthesis conditions. Such ability makes GO very
attractive for use as a component of solar cell batteries and light-emitting devices. Taking into
account low prices of GO, easy synthesis, simplicity in use and reduction abilities, many
scientists expect to use GO for preparation of graphene and graphene based composites. During
the last year (2010), several papers describing chemical addition of fullerenes, metal and
superparamagnetic nanoparticles to graphene oxide have been published. Such structures along
with graphene oxide and semiconducting quantum dots (QD) complexes are interesting because
they could essentially optimize charge separation and increase conductivity in
electroluminescent devices and solar batteries. At the same time, despite the great interest there
are questions of interfacial interaction of GO with different polymer matrixes and its influence
on structural, electronic and optical properties of composites that are not clearly understood.
Investigations of GO/QD complexes and also polymer composites on their basis have not been
carried out yet, or are in progress since the literature data are absent. However for practical use
of such compositions it is necessary to know interactions of these complexes with different
polymer matrixes because the latter also affect significantly the properties of nanoparticles. The
work proposed here combines the expertise in polymer synthesis, characterization and neutron
scattering in the Soft Matter Group at ORNL and the expertise in synthesis and modifications of
graphene oxide from the IPCP RAS for developments of novel polymeric materials for energy
relevant applications. This joint effort will focus on developing a fundamental understanding of
polymer-nanoparticle interactions and utilizing this knowledge to design and synthesize novel
polymeric composite materials with desired properties, including, among others, the
development of lightweight materials with unique mechanical and electrical properties, and the
development of polymer-based materials with tailored properties for energy storage, solar energy
conversion and carbon capture applications.
3. Description of the expected project results
In the frames of the project, the processes of chemical, thermo- and photo- reduction of
GO in a different media (colloidal solutions and thin polymeric films) will be investigated. Also
interaction between QDs of different nature with GO will be studied. It is expected that such
complexes can be effective for charge separation.
During the project, polymeric materials based on a polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol,
polymethylmethacrylate, polyacetylene, polyaniline and some other polyconjugated polymeric
matrixes containing graphene, GO and GO/QDs complexes in various percentage parities will be
synthesized and analyzed. Phase transformations and thermal stability (glass transition
temperature Tg, crystallization, decomposition), mechanical, electrical conductivity, optical and
relaxation properties of composites will be investigated as a function of graphene concentration
and modifications. It is expected that graphene additives for polymers will lead to increase of
thermal stability, Tg, to enhancement of mechanical strength, to appearance of conductivity in
nonconducting polymers. Additionally, stability and degradation of the composite materials
under an ultra-violet irradiation will be studied as a function of the exposure time and
concentration of nanocarbon additives. Based on the obtained results, the estimates of possible
use of received polymeric materials with graphene additives and OG/QDs complexes in different
applications will be provided. The influence of GO/QDs complexes on optical properties,
efficiency of charge separation and efficiency of solar energy conversion will be studied. The
elementary converters of solar energy will be created. We expect that the results of these studies
will provide clear perspectives on use of complexes containing graphene-like structures and
semiconductor QDs in various energy relevant applications, including solar cells.
4. Novelty, description of competitive advantages of the developed technology
Combining unique expertise in polymers and their synthesis at ORNL with technology of
grapehene modifications developed at IPCP RAS will provide great advantage for this team
relative to other competitors. The synergy of IPCP RAS, SCC RAS and ORNL will lead to faster
developments of novel materials with advanced properties, including development of intellectual
properties (patents) and technologies. The proposed joint collaboration will result in
developments of new materials for application in clean energy technologies.
5. Expected effect of the project results
Novel polymeric composites synthesized during this project are expected to poses unique
properties that might find applications among lightweight materials, materials for solar energy
conversions and energy storage. It is expected that composites based on a polyconjugated
polymers and GO/QDs complexes will be demanded for creation of solar energy convertors and
electroluminescence devices. Taken into account that transparent conducting thin polymer films
are widely used in LCD, plasma displays, touch panels technologies it’s assumed that composites
filled by graphene are challenging.
Also such materials could be prospective as alternative of ITO. At the same time GO additives in
different construction polymers might advance its strength properties.
6. Proposed participants of the project consortium (research, education, commercial)
Institute of Problems of Chemical Physics RAS, project leader – Deputy Director of the IPCP
RAS, Prof. V.F. Razumov razumov@icp.ac.ru
Scientific Center in Chernogolovka RAS, project leader – Head of Electron Spectroscopy Group,
Dr. Yu.M. Shulga shulga@icp.ac.ru
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), USA , project leader - Prof. A.P. Sokolov (ORNL/UT
Governor's Chair, Professor Department of Chemistry, Chemical Sciences Division,
Department of Physics & Astronomy Oak Ridge National Lab
University of Tennessee, Knoxville PO Box 2008
1420 Circle Drive, 563 Buehler Hall,
Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6197
Knoxville, TN 37996-1600
Ph. (UT): 865-974-3852
Ph.(ORNL): 865-574-0569
e-mail: sokolov@utk.edu
http://www.chem.utk.edu/sokolov/index.html
Join project coordinator - Deputy Director of the IPCP RAS, Prof. V.F. Razumov
7. Preliminary plan of project preparation and performance, main project milestones
Project meant for 3 year:
(IPCP RAS) Teleconferences, discussions of specific samples, preparations of
1 stage
formalities for samples exchange, etc. Synthesis of GO and GO/QDs complexes.
Investigations of GO and GO/QDs complexes by optical spectroscopy methods.
(SCC RAS) Studying of GO photoreduction process.
(ORNL) – Synthesis of GO based polymeric composites. Investigation of its
optical, relaxation properties. Visit of the groups from ORNL to Chernogolovka
and from Chernogolovka to ORNL. Discussion of results of joint studies.
(ORNL) – Synthesis of unique polymer-GO/QDs composites and investigation of
2 stage
its relaxation and structural properties by different methods. Preparation of
elementary solar cell.
(IPCP RAS and SCC RAS) Synthesis of polymer composites based on GO/QDs
complexes.
(IPCP RAS and SCC RAS) Studying of optical and electrical properties of
obtained composites.
Visit of the groups from ORNL to Chernogolovka and from Chernogolovka to
ORNL. Discussion of results of joint studies.
(ORNL) Investigation of electronic, relaxation, structural properties of polymer3 stage
GO/QDs composites. Preparation of elementary solar cell and measurements of
their efficiency and stability.
(IPCP RAS and SCC RAS) Studying of optical, mechanical, structural and
electronic properties of obtained composites. Preparation of elementary solar
cell.
Visit of the groups from ORNL to Chernogolovka and from Chernogolovka to
ORNL. Discussion of results of joint studies.
(ORNL, IPCP RAS and SCC RAS) Developments of technology for
modification of GO already dispersed in polymer. Generation of
recommendations for use of composite materials in energy applications.