Dopants
Advancing Electronic Materials: Dopant Research in the Marder Group
Our research focuses on developing specialized electrical dopants – materials that can significantly improve the performance of organic electronic devices. These dopants are like performance boosters that enhance how electricity moves through semiconductor materials, making electronic devices more efficient and powerful.
We work on creating two primary types of dopants:
- Hole Transport Dopants (p-dopants): These help improve the movement of positive electrical charges
- Electron Transport Dopants (n-dopants): These enhance the movement of negative electrical charges
Our dopants have wide-ranging applications in cutting-edge electronic technologies, including:
- Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs)
- Organic Field-Effect Transistors (OFETs)
- Organic Photovoltaics (Solar Cells)
- Lead-Halide Perovskite Solar Cells
One of our key innovations addresses a major challenge in developing electronic materials. Traditional dopants that transfer electrons are often extremely sensitive to air, making them difficult to use. We've developed a groundbreaking approach: "complex" dopants that are more stable and easier to handle.
Some of our notable breakthroughs involves creating special dimeric dopants – unique molecular structures that can:
- Operate effectively in air
- Enhance electron transport in challenging materials
- Provide insights for developing next-generation electronic materials
By conducting detailed mechanistic studies, we're not just creating new dopants, but also developing a deeper understanding of how these materials work. Our collaborative approach allows us to demonstrate the practical benefits of these dopants across various electronic and hybrid electronic devices.
