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Radical approach to modeling electron conducting polymers

Project description

Advanced modelling approach to studying radical-containing polymers

Non-conjugated radical-containing polymers (RAPs) are a new type of material enabling flexible, low-cost, and sustainable optoelectronic and energy storage devices. Unlike traditional conjugated polymers, RAPs use stable radical groups to move charges through redox reactions, opening new avenues for material property optimisation. However, understanding how these materials work remains unclear. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the E-RADICAL project plans to develop an innovative modelling method that combines molecular dynamics, quantum dynamics and machine learning. This approach will shed insight into RAP charge transport and compare RAP performance with conjugated polymers. E-RADICAL will also create a database of RAPs, helping researchers design better materials for cleaner, more affordable energy technologies.

Objective

The promise of organic electron-conducting polymers creates outstanding opportunities for flexible, low-cost, and sustainable optoelectronics and energy storage devices. An emerging class of electron-conducting polymers is non-conjugated radical-containing polymers (RAPs). These are organic polymers with a non-conjugated backbone and pendant-stable radical sites. RAPs successfully transport charges without relying on π-conjugation, instead using redox reactions between the pendant radical groups. This introduces a new paradigm in polymer-based electron transport. However, our understanding of these materials is incomplete and the molecular mechanisms underpinning their properties remain elusive. In E-RADICAL, I will advance our understanding of RAPs through the development of a novel multiscale modeling approach that combines molecular dynamics, quantum dynamical methods, and machine learning. This approach will enable, for the first time, quantum-dynamically accurate and computationally efficient simulations of charge transport in realistic, disordered RAP morphologies. The proposed multiscale approach will be used to perform a comparative study of charge transport in highly conductive RAPs and conjugated polymers, extracting underlying principles governing efficient charge transport. Finally, I will generate the first computational condensed-phase library of RAPs, allowing me to deduce structure-property relationships and formulate design guidelines for this emerging class of materials. In summary, E-RADICAL will provide detailed and unprecedented understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving charge transport in RAPs, thereby informing the rational design of improved materials with ramifications for the development of devices that enable a future with clean and affordable energy.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01

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Coordinator

KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
Net EU contribution
€ 216 240,00
Address
OUDE MARKT 13
3000 Leuven
Belgium
Region
Vlaams Gewest Prov. Vlaams-Brabant Arr. Leuven
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost
No data

Partners (1)