“Optoelectronic characterization and self-assembly based patterning of conducting polymers and its nanocomposites”

Dr. Routh developed a cost-effective method to pattern polymers and its nanocomposites for its use in semi-transparent photovoltaic cells. These patterned thin film structures made out of commercially available conjugated polymers could provide a new route to create cost effective semitransparent films acting as light harvesters in photovoltaic and sensory applications, where usually a large surface to volume ratio is sought. This cost-effective approach incorporated into semi-transparent PVs can meet current market demands of low energy applications. Furthermore, these micro and nano- patterned surfaces given the 150% larger surface area, as compared to flat thin films, have applications in advanced nanostructured materials such as micro-array of lens and photonic crystals; and nanoparticle decorated surfaces for sensors.