Study of resonance energy transfer between MEH-PPV and CuFeS2 nanoparticle and their application in energy harvesting device

Abstract

In this work wide band gap semiconducting chalcopyrite CuFeS2 has been synthesized by hydrothermal technique. The optical and electro-chemical studies approved the semiconductor nature of the synthesized material with direct band gap 4.04eV and room temperature electrical conductivity (σ)=4.7×10−8Scm−1. We have explored the possible applicability of this material in conjunction with polymer MEH-PPV to harvest green energy. The steady-state and time dependent luminescence analysis of MEH-PPV:CuFeS2 composite demonstrates the possibility of successful charge transportation. The type of energy quenching has been investigated by Stern–Volmer analysis. Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) calculation confirms the static resonance energy transfer between donor (MEH-PPV) and acceptor (CuFeS2) nanoparticles. Finally the energy harvesting device with configuration ITO/MEH-PPV:CuFeS2/Al has been successfully fabricated and characterized.