Hybrid Inorganic/Organic Self-Assembled Clays Nanocomposites for Roll to Roll Fabrication in Photovoltaics

Abstract

AbstractWe have been developing a new approach to layered hybrid (inorganic/organic) photovoltaic materials for fabrication by Roll-to-Roll (R2R) manufacturing. In this report, we combine the low cost and processability of organic electrically conducting polymers with the efficiency of dye sensitized titanium dioxide, semi-conductor quantum dots (CdSe) self-assembled on layered clay materials (Laponite) onto indium tin oxide coated flexible substrate polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates. We have shown electron transfer, guest-guest and host-guest interactions, charge separation, spectral line broadening, and quenching of fluorescence signals which indicate electronic coupling of the dye [Ru(bpy)3]2+ on a CdSe nanocrystal and titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy demonstrate successful nanoparticle formation and thin film self-assembly, as well as surface morphology and polymer thickness.