Charge dynamics at interfaces in next-generation energy conversion materials

We study charge carrier dynamics in organic and hybrid solar cell materials by combining spectroscopy, time-resolved device measurements, and thin film structural probes. We describe how recombination mechanisms at organic/organic interfaces and hybrid/interfaces can be modulated by balancing energy landscape and hierarchical film structure. Our recent work also focuses on using spectroscopic tools with temporal and structural sensitivity to better understand the dynamics of charge generation in emerging solar cell materials, for example, hybrid organo metal halide perovskites. Our results bring new insight into the molecular properties that determine charge carrier dynamics and suggest new strategies for materials design focused on kinetically suppressing recombination losses.

Bio:
Cody Schlenker is the Washington Research Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Clean Energy. He earned his Ph.D. Materials, Physical, and Organic Chemistry from the University of Southern California, 2010, and worked as a postdoc in the Ginger Lab at UW until 2013.

The Schlenker group integrates synthetic chemistry and physical chemistry to explore fundamental principles and dynamic interfacial processes that allow us to develop advanced materials design concepts for low-cost, high-efficiency energy conversion and storage devices.