Understanding and optimizing thermal transport in photo-responsive molecular crystals for device applications
Project Description
Photosensitive molecular crystals are materials that can undergo structural changes upon light irradiation, leading to the modification of their properties to exhibit behaviors such as color change and mechanical motion. Powered by photochemical reactions, they have immense application potential in non-linear optics and photonics from nano- to millimeter-scale, thanks to their excellent properties, such as high elastic modulus and short response time when. However, their corresponding thermal transport properties which are critical for their untapped potential in thermal management are not well studied. In this project, we aim to explore the effect of light radiation on the thermal conductivity of molecular crystals. The goal is to design and optimize the photo-induced transitions in molecular crystal to realize solid-state or optomechanical actuators for thermal management applications. Additionally, we will also investigate interesting properties of molecular crystals, such as chirality, photo-rotation, and the coupling between the structure and the optical/thermal properties.
Supervisor
ZHENG Qiye
Quota
2
Course type
UROP1000
UROP1100
UROP2100
UROP3100
UROP3200
UROP4100
Applicant's Roles
1. Working with RPG students, the applicant will participate in basic chemical synthesis of molecular crystals, and component 3D printing experiments.
2. The applicant will assist in the physical and chemical property testing of polymers through widely used experimental approaches including polarized optical microscopy, time/frequency domain thermoreflectance, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction.
3. Under the supervision of the RPG student and the advisor, the applicant will participate in the molecular dynamic simulation and device design.
2. The applicant will assist in the physical and chemical property testing of polymers through widely used experimental approaches including polarized optical microscopy, time/frequency domain thermoreflectance, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction.
3. Under the supervision of the RPG student and the advisor, the applicant will participate in the molecular dynamic simulation and device design.
Applicant's Learning Objectives
Through working on the project, the applicant is expected to gain the following experiences/expertise:
1. Knowledge about thermodynamics and optics;
2. Knowledge about heat transfer and crystallography;
3. Familiarity with commonly used characterization techniques and analysis methods in mechanical engineering and materials science.
1. Knowledge about thermodynamics and optics;
2. Knowledge about heat transfer and crystallography;
3. Familiarity with commonly used characterization techniques and analysis methods in mechanical engineering and materials science.
Complexity of the project
Moderate