Evaluation of all-inorganic CdSe quantum dot thin films for optoelectronic applications

Electronic Processes within Quantum Dot-Molecule Complexes

The subject of this review is the colloidal quantum dot (QD) and specifically the interaction of the QD with proximate molecules. It covers various functions of these molecules, including (i) ligands for the QDs, coupled electronically or vibrationally to localized surface states or to the delocalized states of the QD core, (ii) energy or electron donors or acceptors for the QDs, and (iii) structural components of QD assemblies that dictate QD-QD or QD-molecule interactions. Research on interactions of ligands with colloidal QDs has revealed that ligands determine not only the excited state dynamics of the QD but also, in some cases, its ground state electronic structure. Specifically, the article discusses (i) measurement of the electronic structure of colloidal QDs and the influence of their surface chemistry, in particular, dipolar ligands and exciton-delocalizing ligands, on their electronic energies; (ii) the role of molecules in interfacial electron and energy transfer processes involving QDs, including electron-to-vibrational energy transfer and the use of the ligand shell of a QD as a semipermeable membrane that gates its redox activity; and (iii) a particular application of colloidal QDs, photoredox catalysis, which exploits the combination of the electronic structure of the QD core and the chemistry at its surface to use the energy of the QD excited state to drive chemical reactions.

Single-step direct fabrication of luminescent Cu-doped Zn(x)Cd(1-x)S quantum dot thin films via a molecular precursor solution approach and their application in luminescent, transparent, and conductive thin films

Luminescent Cu-doped ZnxCd1-xS quantum dot thin films have been directly fabricated via a facile solution method in open air. Cu2O, ZnO, and Cd(OH)2 were used as starting materials, and 3-mercaptopropionic acid was used as the capping agent. The effects of Cu dopant concentration, sintering temperature, and sintering time on the photoluminescence properties of Cu-doped ZnxCd1-xS nanocrystal thin films have been systematically investigated. As-prepared quantum dot thin films exhibit tunable emission covering the whole visible light region and the absolute photoluminescence quantum yields can reach as high as 25.5%, which have high potential for applications in luminescent, transparent, and conductive thin films.

A comprehensive review of the application of chalcogenide nanoparticles in polymer solar cells

In this review the use of solution-processed chalcogenide quantum dots (CdS, CdSe, PbS, etc.) in hybrid organic-inorganic solar cells is explored. Such devices are known as potential candidates for low-cost and efficient solar energy conversion, and compose the so-called third generation solar cells. The incorporation of oxides and metal nanoparticles has also been successfully achieved in this new class of photovoltaic devices; however, we choose to explore here chalcogenide quantum dots in light of their particularly attractive optical and electronic properties. We address herein a comprehensive review of the historical background and state-of-the-art comprising the incorporation of such nanoparticles in polymer matrices. Later strategies for surface chemistry manipulation, in situ synthesis of nanoparticles, use of continuous 3D nanoparticles network (aerogels) and ternary systems are also reviewed.