Photon Management through Virus‐Programmed Supramolecular Arrays

• Published in: Advanced biosystems 2017-10, Vol.1 (10), p.e1700088-n/a
• Main Authors: Veliz, Frank A., Ma, Yingfang, Molugu, Sudheer K., Tiu, Brylee David B., Stewart, Phoebe L., French, Roger H., Steinmetz, Nicole F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: LbL assembly; multilayered arrays; photon management; self‐assembly; virus‐based nanoparticles
• ISSN: 2366-7478; 2366-7478
• DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201700088

Photon extraction and capture efficiency is a complex function of the material's composition, its molecular structure at the nanoscale, and the overall organization spanning multiple length scales. The architecture of the material defines the performance; nanostructured features within the materials enhance the energy efficiency. Photon capturing materials are largely produced through lithographic, top‐down, manufacturing schemes; however, there are limits to the smallest dimension achievable using this technology. To overcome these technological barriers, a bottom‐up nanomanufacturing is pursued. Inspired by the self‐programmed assembly of virus arrays in host cells resulting in iridescence of infected organisms, virus‐programmed, nanostructured arrays are studied to pave the way for new design principles in photon management and biology‐inspired materials science. Using the nanoparticles formed by plant viruses in combination with charged polymers (dendrimers), a bottom‐up approach is illustrated to prepare a family of broadband, low‐angular dependent antireflection mesoscale layered materials for potential application as photon management coatings. Measurement and theory demonstrate antireflectance and phototrapping properties of the virus‐programmed assembly. This opens up new bioengineering principles for the nanomanufacture of coatings and films for use in LED lighting and photovoltaics. Photon management is dependent upon material composition, its nanoscale structure, and mesoscale architecture. A bioinspired design is used to fabricate a nanostructured, mesoscale array. Specifically, the capsids from plant viruses and dendrimers are used as building blocks. The virus‐programmed assembly exhibits enhanced antireflectance and phototrapping properties and thus may find use in LED lighting and photovoltaics.