Quantum dot-based organic-inorganic hybrid materials for optoelectronic applications (Conference Presentation)

Abstract

Our recent research involves the design, characterization and testing of devices constituting low bandgap conjugated polymers, surface-engineered quantum dots (QDs), carbon nanotube (CNT)-QDs, QDs decorated nanowires, and QD coupled conjugated polymers. The resulting hybrid materials can be used for facilitating the charge/energy transfer and enhancing the charge carrier mobility in highly efficient optoelectronic and photonic devices. Exploiting the full potential of quantum dots (QDs) in optoelectronic devices require efficient mechanisms for transfer of energy or electrons produced in the optically excited QDs. We propose semiconducting π-conjugated molecules as ligands to achieve energy or charge transfer. The hybridization of p-type π-conjugated molecules to the surface of n-type QDs can induce distinct luminescence and charge transport characteristics due to energy and/or charge transfer effects. QDs and π-conjugated molecule hybrids with controlled luminescent properties can be used for new active materials for light-emitting diodes and flexible displays. In addition, such hybrid systems with enhanced charge transfer efficiency can be used for nanoscale photovoltaic devices. We have also explored single nanoparticle based electronics using QDs and π-conjugated molecule hybrids with molecular-scale n–p or n-insulating (ins)–p-heterojunction structures.