Photon Management through Virus-Programmed Supramolecular Arrays

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.