Semiconductor nanocrystals in photoconductive polymers: Charge generation and charge transport

Abstract

Summary By mixing semiconductor nanocrystals with carrier-transporting polymers, one creates an interesting class of photoconductive nanocomposites. The presence of semiconductor nanocrystals enhances the photo-induced charge generation efficiency and extends the sensitivity range, while the polymer matrix carries away the charges under applied field. We found the effect of low concentrations of semiconductor nanocrystals on the hole mobility of a polymer is minimal. A new model of field-dependent photo-induced charge generation in polymers has been developed and successfully applied to the case of nanocluster/polymer composites. In the future, it will be interesting to explore the size-dependent charge generation mechanism, i.e. the transition from a localized ( 1a ) to a delocalized one ( 1a ). Transport properties of these composites with high concentrations of semiconductor nanocrystals represent an unexplored areas. Nanocomposites should provide a promising direction for searching for high mobility electron or hole transporting materials. Exploration of these materials for technological applications such as imaging and electroluminescent display has just begun.