These cycloaddition reactions (iClick) promote the step-growth of polymerization of metal-containing monomers to produce metallopolymers with advanced photophysical and electronic conducting properties. Metallopolymers are potential replacement materials to improve the efficiency and heat resistance of solar cells and LEDs. Nearly half the lights in the United States are LED lights, and solar energy is one of the most dominant forms of renewable energy. The global solar energy market should reach $223.3 billion by 2026. However, LED and solar energy technologies are hampered by material limitations that cause inefficiencies and heat damage to materials used in these applications.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed new metallopolymer materials that can be controlled precisely, thus opening new opportunities in heat-resistant solar cells, LEDs, and optical applications.
Materials that combine the beneficial properties of both metals and polymers for application in solar cells and LEDs
These materials are metallopolymers that have combined properties of both metals and polymers and can be used in many applications including solar cells and LEDs. The metallopolymers are synthesized using cycloaddition reactions. The cycloaddition reactions promote the growth of metal-containing monomers to create metallopolymers that combine the conductive properties of metals with the flexible and elastomeric properties of organic polymers. The process enables precise control over the synthesized material properties.