Ultrafast Interfacial Electron Transfer Research Articles

S-scheme heterojunction with ultrafast interfacial electron transfer for artificial photosynthesis

S-scheme heterojunction with ultrafast interfacial electron transfer for artificial photosynthesis

Data-Driven Design of Electroactive Spacer Molecules to Tune Charge Carrier Dynamics in Layered Halide Perovskite Heterostructures.

Crafting rational heterojunctions with nanostructured materials is instrumental in fostering effective interfacial charge separation and transport for optoelectronics. Layered halide perovskites (LHPs) that form heterojunctions between organic spacer molecules and inorganic metal halide layers exhibit tunable photophysics owing to their customizable band alignment. However, controlling photogenerated carrier dynamics by strategically designing layered perovskite heterojunctions remains largely unexplored. We combine a data-driven approach with time-domain density functional theory (TD-DFT) and non-adiabatic molecular dynamics (NAMD) to screen and select electronically active spacer dications (A') that introduce a type-II heterojunction in the lead iodide-based Dion-Jacobson phase LHPs. The composition-structure-electronic property correlations reveal that the number of nitrogens in aromatic heterocycles is the key factor in designing electron-accepting spacers in these perovskites. The detailed atomistic simulations validate the design strategy further by modeling (A')PbI4 perovskites, which incorporate three different screened electroactive A' spacers. The computed excited charge carrier dynamics illustrate the phonon-mediated ultrafast interfacial electron transfer from the inorganic conduction band edge to the lower-lying unoccupied orbitals of spacers, exhibiting photoluminescence quenching in these (A')PbI4 perovskites. The spatially separated electrons and holes at the type-II heterojunction interface prolong the excited charge carrier lifetime, boosting the carrier transport and exciton dynamics. Our work illustrates a robust in silico approach for designing LHPs with exciting optoelectronic properties originating from their fine-tuned heterojunctions.

Ultrafast electron transfer at the In2O3/Nb2O5 S-scheme interface for CO2 photoreduction

Constructing S-scheme heterojunctions proves proficient in achieving the spatial separation of potent photogenerated charge carriers for their participation in photoreactions. Nonetheless, the restricted contact areas between two phases within S-scheme heterostructures lead to inefficient interfacial charge transport, resulting in low photocatalytic efficiency from a kinetic perspective. Here, In2O3/Nb2O5 S-scheme heterojunctions are fabricated through a straightforward one-step electrospinning technique, enabling intimate contact between the two phases and thereby fostering ultrafast interfacial electron transfer (<10 ps), as analyzed via femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. As a result, powerful photo-electrons and holes accumulate in the Nb2O5 conduction band and In2O3 valence band, respectively, exhibiting extended long lifetimes and facilitating their involvement in subsequent photoreactions. Combined with the efficient chemisorption and activation of stable CO2 on the Nb2O5, the resulting In2O3/Nb2O5 hybrid nanofibers demonstrate improved photocatalytic performance for CO2 conversion.

Ultrafast Electron Transfer from CuInS2 Quantum Dots to a Molecular Catalyst for Hydrogen Production: Challenging Diffusion Limitations.

Systems integrating quantum dots with molecular catalysts are attracting ever more attention, primarily owing to their tunability and notable photocatalytic activity in the context of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). CuInS2 (CIS) quantum dots (QDs) are effective photoreductants, having relatively high-energy conduction bands, but their electronic structure and defect states often lead to poor performance, prompting many researchers to employ them with a core-shell structure. Molecular cobalt HER catalysts, on the other hand, often suffer from poor stability. Here, we have combined CIS QDs, surface-passivated with l-cysteine and iodide from a water-based synthesis, with two tetraazamacrocyclic cobalt complexes to realize systems which demonstrate high turnover numbers for the HER (up to >8000 per catalyst), using ascorbate as the sacrificial electron donor at pH = 4.5. Photoluminescence intensity and lifetime quenching data indicated a large degree of binding of the catalysts to the QDs, even with only ca. 1 μM each of QDs and catalysts, linked to an entirely static quenching mechanism. The data was fitted with a Poissonian distribution of catalyst molecules over the QDs, from which the concentration of QDs could be evaluated. No important difference in either quenching or photocatalysis was observed between catalysts with and without the carboxylate as a potential anchoring group. Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy confirmed ultrafast interfacial electron transfer from the QDs and the formation of the singly reduced catalyst (CoII state) for both complexes, with an average electron transfer rate constant of <kET> ≈ (10 ps)-1. These favorable results confirm that the core tetraazamacrocyclic cobalt complex is remarkably stable under photocatalytic conditions and that CIS QDs without inorganic shell structures for passivation can act as effective photosensitizers, while their smaller size makes them suitable for application in the sensitization of, inter alia, mesoporous electrodes.

Long-range transport and ultrafast interfacial charge transfer in perovskite/monolayer semiconductor heterostructure for enhanced light absorption and photocarrier lifetime.

Atomically thin two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have shown great potential for optoelectronic applications, including photodetectors, phototransistors, and spintronic devices. However, the applications of TMD-based optoelectronic devices are severely restricted by their weak light absorption and short exciton lifetime due to their atomically thin nature and strong excitonic effect. To simultaneously enhance the light absorption and photocarrier lifetime of monolayer semiconductors, here, we report 3D/2D perovskite/TMD type II heterostructures by coupling solution processed highly smooth and ligand free CsPbBr3 film with MoS2 and WS2 monolayers. By time-resolved spectroscopy, we show interfacial hole transfer from MoS2 (WS2) to the perovskite layer occurs in an ultrafast time scale (100 and 350fs) and interfacial electron transfer from ultrathin CsPbBr3 to MoS2 (WS2) in ∼3 (9) ps, forming a long-lived charge separation with a lifetime of >20ns. With increasing CsPbBr3 thickness, the electron transfer rate from CsPbBr3 to TMD is slower, but the efficiency remains to be near-unity due to coupled long-range diffusion and ultrafast interfacial electron transfer. This study indicates that coupling solution processed lead halide perovskites with strong light absorption and long carrier diffusion length to monolayer semiconductors to form a type II heterostructure is a promising strategy to simultaneously enhance the light harvesting capability and photocarrier lifetime of monolayer semiconductors.

Boosting Cascade Electron Transfer for Highly Efficient CO2 Photoreduction

Artificial photosynthesis converting carbon dioxide into chemical fuels with a high added value is a promising solution to both fossil fuel shortage/pollution and global climate change; however, the development of highly efficient photocatalysts toward this goal is still largely bereft of fresh ideas. Herein, we propose a “cascade electron transfer” strategy through spurring both interfacial and inner electron transfer rates for a 0D/2D photocatalyst of CsPbBr3/CuTCPP metal organic framework (MOF). Upon photoexcitation, the heterojunction structure with an appropriate band alignment facilitates an ultrafast interfacial electron transfer rate of 1.4 ps from CsPbBr3 segment to CuTCPP MOF and subsequent ultrafast internal electron transfer of 21 ps from CuTCPP ligand to the Cu node within the enlarged 2D framework. The efficient electron transfer ensures efficient charge separation favorable for photocatalytic reactions: The photocatalyst exhibits an outstanding yield of 47.2 μmol g−1 h−1 (CO and CH4 combined) superior to previous reports. Rational design of hierarchical heterojunctions with matching electronic bandgap not only expedites cascade charge transfer but also prevents holes from recombining with electrons or oxidizing the photocatalysts without the necessity of sacrificial reagents. This work thus provides useful insight for boosting photocatalytic efficacy from a dynamic perspective.

Ultrafast Interfacial Electron Transfer from Graphene Quantum Dot to 2,4-Dinitrotoluene

Ultrafast photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from a photoexcited graphene quantum dot (GQD*) to an electron-deficient molecule 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) is studied in a water–methanol mixture (1:1 by volume) at different temperatures (5 °C–60 °C). The temperature-dependent study reveals that quenching of GQD emission by DNT is a complex process, where use of collisional or static quenching alone in the fitting model cannot fit the entire time regime of the kinetics. Irrespective of temperature, the collisional quenching rate obtained from the TCSPC lifetime quenching study appears at the upper limit of the bimolecular diffusion-controlled rate of the medium. The weak solubility of DNT in the polar solvents leads to GQD–DNT complex formation through hydrophobic interactions, allowing one to obtain a diffusion-free ultrafast PET timescale of the complex using a femtosecond upconversion setup. GQD–DNT complex formation is manifested by the heat change in the isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) study upon mixing of DNT with GQD. Findings of our work would reinforce the understanding of the interfacial charge transfer process of GQD and thereby expand the promises to its real applications, especially in sensing and photovoltaics where materials with ultrafast PET are highly desirable.

Near Bandgap Excitation Inhibits the Interfacial Electron Transfer of Semiconductor/Cocatalyst.

Understanding the ultrafast interfacial electron transfer (IET) process is essential for establishing the structure-property relationship of the semiconductor/cocatalyst system for photocatalytic H2 evolution. However, the IET kinetics for the near bandgap excitation has not been reported. Herein, we investigate the IET kinetics of g-C3N4/Pt as a semiconductor/cocatalyst prototype by femtosecond time-resolved diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. We find that the near bandgap excitation of g-C3N4 inhibits the IET of g-C3N4/Pt due to electron deep trapping, resulting in a markedly decreased apparent quantum efficiency for photocatalytic H2 evolution. This work complements the kinetic understanding for the photocatalytic mechanism of the semiconductor/cocatalyst system in its whole light absorption range.

Theoretical Insights into Interfacial Electron Transfer between Zinc Phthalocyanine and Molybdenum Disulfide.

A comprehensive understanding of interfacial charge transfer dynamics is critical for improving the optoelectronic efficiency of organic-transition metal dichalcogenide heterostructures. In this work we have employed density functional theory (DFT) and developed nonadiabatic dynamics simulation approaches to study the photoinduced electron transfer dynamics at the interface of zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). Our present results show that ZnPc is adsorbed in a parallel orientation on MoS2 through a weak van der Waals interaction. Photoirradiation excites an electron of ZnPc into its lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), which is primarily located on ZnPc but has a tail on MoS2. This enhances the vibronic coupling between the LUMO of ZnPc and adiabatic states of MoS2, thereby benefiting the interfacial electron transfer. The LUMO of ZnPc is also calculated to be 0.27 eV higher than the conduction band minimum (CBM) of MoS2 so that the electron transfer from ZnPc to MoS2 is thermodynamically favorable. Further nonadiabatic dynamics simulations verify such ultrafast electron transfer and estimate its time scale of ca. 10 fs. In this process, the low-frequency out-of-plane vibration of MoS2, and low- and high-frequency in-plane and out-of-plane vibrations of ZnPc are found to play an important role in regulating this interfacial electron transfer. In-depth analysis also reveals that atomic motion induced changes of adiabatic states is a dominant factor leading to such ultrafast interfacial electron transfer. These insights could be useful for understanding charge transfer processes at interfaces of heterostructures.

Interfacial Electron Injection Probed by a Substrate-Specific Excitonic Signature.

Ultrafast interfacial electron transfer in sensitized solar cells has mostly been probed by visible-to-terahertz radiation, which is sensitive to the free carriers in the conduction band of the semiconductor substrate. Here, we demonstrate the use of deep-ultraviolet continuum pulses to probe the interfacial electron transfer, by detecting a specific excitonic transition in both N719-sensitized anatase TiO2 and wurtzite ZnO nanoparticles. Our results are compared to those obtained on bare nanoparticles upon above-gap excitation. We show that the signal upon electron injection from the N719 dye into TiO2 is dominated by long-range Coulomb screening of the final states of the excitonic transitions, whereas in sensitized ZnO it is dominated by phase-space filling. The present approach offers a possible route to detecting interfacial electron transfer in a broad class of systems, including other transition metal oxides or sensitizers.

Two-step model for ultrafast interfacial electron transfer: limitations of Fermi's golden rule revealed by quantum dynamics simulations.

Interfacial electron transfer (IET) is one of the crucial steps in the light-harvesting process that occurs in various assemblies for solar energy conversion, such as dye-sensitized solar cells or dye-sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cells. Computational studies of IET in dye-semiconductor assemblies employ a variety of approaches, ranging from phenomenological models such as Fermi's golden rule to more complex methods relying on explicit solutions of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. This work investigates IET in a model pyridine-TiO2 assembly, with the goals of assessing the validity of Fermi's golden rule for calculation of the IET rates, understanding the importance of conformational sampling in modeling the IET process, and establishing an approach to rapid computational screening of dye-sensitizers that undergo fast IET into the semiconductor. Our results suggest that IET is a two-step process, in which the electron is first transferred into the semiconductor surface states, followed by diffusion of the electron into the nanoparticle bulk states. Furthermore, while Fermi's golden rule and related approaches are appropriate for predicting the initial IET rate (i.e., the initial transfer of an electron from the dye into the semiconductor surface states), they are not reliable for prediction of the overall IET rate. The inclusion of conformational sampling at room temperature into the model offers a more complete picture of the IET process, leading to a distribution of IET rates with a median rate faster than the IET rate obtained for the fully-optimized structure at 0 K. Finally, the two most important criteria for determination of the initial IET rate are the percentage of electron density on the linker in the excited state as well as the number of semiconductor acceptor states available at the energy of the excited state. Both of these can be obtained from relatively simple electronic structure calculations at either ab initio or semiempirical levels of theory and can thus be used for rapid screening of dyes with the desired properties.

Ultrafast Electron Transfer Between Dye and Catalyst on a Mesoporous NiO Surface.

The combination of molecular dyes and catalysts with semiconductors into dye-sensitized solar fuel devices (DSSFDs) requires control of efficient interfacial and surface charge transfer between the components. The present study reports on the light-induced electron transfer processes of p-type NiO films cosensitized with coumarin C343 and a bioinspired proton reduction catalyst, [FeFe](mcbdt)(CO)6 (mcbdt = 3-carboxybenzene-1,2-dithiolate). By transient optical spectroscopy we find that ultrafast interfacial electron transfer (τ ≈ 200 fs) from NiO to the excited C343 ("hole injection") is followed by rapid (t1/2 ≈ 10 ps) and efficient surface electron transfer from C343(-) to the coadsorbed [FeFe](mcbdt)(CO)6. The reduced catalyst has a clear spectroscopic signature that persists for several tens of microseconds, before charge recombination with NiO holes occurs. The demonstration of rapid surface electron transfer from dye to catalyst on NiO, and the relatively long lifetime of the resulting charge separated state, suggests the possibility to use these systems for photocathodes on DSSFDs.

Photophysical Characterization of a Helical Peptide Chromophore–Water Oxidation Catalyst Assembly on a Semiconductor Surface Using Ultrafast Spectroscopy

We report a detailed kinetic analysis of ultrafast interfacial and intra-assembly electron transfer following excitation of an oligoproline scaffold functionalized by chemically linked light-harvesting chromophore [Ru(pbpy)2(bpy)]2+ (pbpy = 4,4′-(PO3H2)2-2,2′-bipyridine, bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) and water oxidation catalyst [Ru(Mebimpy)(bpy)OH2]2+ (Mebimpy = 2,6-bis(1-methylbenzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine). The oligoproline scaffold approach is appealing due to its modular nature and helical tertiary structure. They allow for the control of electron transfer distances in chromophore–catalyst assemblies for applications in dye-sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cells (DSPECs). The proline chromophore–catalyst assembly was loaded onto nanocrystalline TiO2 with the helical structure of the oligoproline scaffold maintaining the controlled relative positions of the chromophore and catalyst. Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy was used to analyze the kinetics of the first photoactivation step for oxidation of water in the assembly. A global kinetic analysis of the transient absorption spectra reveals that photoinduced electron injection occurs in 18 ps and is followed by intra-assembly oxidative activation of the water oxidation catalyst on the hundreds of picoseconds time scale (kET = 2.6 × 109 s–1; τ = 380 ps). The first photoactivation step in the water oxidation cycle of the chromophore–catalyst assembly anchored to TiO2 is complete within 380 ps.

Sandwich‐like Singled‐Walled Titania Nanotube as a Novel Semiconductor Electrode for Quantum Dot‐Sensitized Solar Cells

A novel sandwich-like singled-walled titania nanotube is designed as a photoanode in quantum dot-sensitized solar cells. It acts as a hollow coaxial nanocable, in which the injected electron is confined in the conducting layer for transport, guarded from electron recombination by the protective layers. An ultrafast interfacial electron transfer is also expected in this photoelectric system due to the unique nanoarchitecture.

Ab Initio Nonadiabatic Molecular Dynamics of the Ultrafast Electron Injection from a PbSe Quantum Dot into the TiO2 Surface

Following recent experiments [Science 2010, 328, 1543; PNAS 2011, 108, 965], we report an ab initio nonadiabatic molecular dynamics (NAMD) simulation of the ultrafast photoinduced electron transfer (ET) from a PbSe quantum dot (QD) into the rutile TiO(2) (110) surface. The system forms the basis for QD-sensitized semiconductor solar cells and demonstrates that ultrafast interfacial ET is instrumental for achieving high efficiencies in solar-to-electrical energy conversion. The simulation supports the observation that the ET successfully competes with energy losses due to electron-phonon relaxation. The ET proceeds by the adiabatic mechanism because of strong donor-acceptor coupling. High frequency polar vibrations of both QD and TiO(2) promote the ET, since these modes can rapidly influence the donor-acceptor state energies and coupling. Low frequency vibrations generate a distribution of initial conditions for ET, which shows a broad variety of scenarios at the single-molecule level. Compared to the molecule-TiO(2) interfaces, the QD-TiO(2) system exhibits pronounced differences that arise due to the larger size and higher rigidity of QDs relative to molecules. Both donor and acceptor states are more delocalized in the QD system, and the ET is promoted by optical phonons, which have relatively low frequencies in the QD materials composed of heavy elements. In contrast, in molecular systems, optical phonons are not thermally accessible under ambient conditions. Meanwhile, TiO(2) acceptor states resemble surface impurities due to the local influence of molecular chromophores. At the same time, the photoinduced ET at both QD-TiO(2) and molecule-TiO(2) interfaces is ultrafast and occurs by the adiabatic mechanism, as a result of strong donor-acceptor coupling. The reported state-of-the-art simulation generates a detailed time-domain atomistic description of the interfacial ET process that is fundamental to a wide variety of applications.

Water-stable, hydroxamate anchors for functionalization of TiO2 surfaces with ultrafast interfacial electron transfer

A novel class of derivatized hydroxamic acid linkages for robust sensitization of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) under various aqueous conditions is described. The stability of linkages bound to metal oxides under various conditions is important in developing photocatalytic cells which incorporate transition metal complexes for solar energy conversion. In order to compare the standard carboxylate anchor to hydroxamates, two organic dyes differing only in anchoring groups were synthesized and attached to TiO2 NPs. At acidic, basic, and close to neutral pH, hydroxamic acid linkages resist detachment compared to the labile carboxylic acids. THz spectroscopy was used to compare ultrafast interfacial electron transfer (IET) into the conduction band of TiO2 for both linkages and found similar IET characteristics. Observable electron injection and stronger binding suggest that hydroxamates are a suitable class of anchors for designing water stable molecules for functionalizing TiO2.

Ultrafast vibrational spectroscopy of charge-carrier dynamics in organic photovoltaic materials

Ultrafast vibrational spectroscopy is used to examine the dynamics of interfacial electron transfer, free-carrier formation, and bimolecular charge recombination and trapping in an organic photovoltaic material. The carbonyl (C[double bond, length as m-dash]O) stretch of the functionalized fullerene, PCBM, is probed as a local vibrational reporter of the dynamics in a blend with a conjugated polymer, CN-MEH-PPV. Ultrafast interfacial electron transfer from CN-MEH-PPV to PCBM occurs on time scales ranging from less than 100 fs to 1 ps. PCBM molecules at interfaces with the polymer have carbonyl vibrations that are higher in frequency compared to the ensemble. The frequency variation results in part from a vibrational Stark shift arising from an interfacial dipole formed by spontaneous charge transfer from the polymer to PCBM. The Stark shift provides a means to observe directly the formation of free carriers through the spectral evolution of the carbonyl stretch. Free carrier formation occurs surprisingly quickly on the 1-10 ps time scale, suggesting that the charges experience a smaller effective Coulombic binding energy than expected. The interfacial dipole decreases the Coulombic binding energy because the negative pole of the dipole repels electrons at the PCBM domain interface. Following free-carrier formation, electrons diffuse within the material and become trapped on the microsecond time scale resulting in the formation of a distinct peak in the vibrational spectra. The time scale of charge trapping corresponds to the carrier lifetime of similar PPV-based polymer blends that have been reported in the literature on the basis of transient photocurrent measurements.

Dynamics of photoinduced electron transfer from adsorbed molecules into solids

Ultrafast interfacial electron transfer from the donor orbital of organic chromophores into empty electronic acceptor states of a semiconductor and of a metal was investigated by two-photon photoemission spectroscopy (2PPE). Experimental tools and procedures have been developed for carrying out wet-chemistry preparation of the molecule/solid interface. The organic chromophore perylene was investigated with several different bridge/anchor groups on TiO2(110). One perylene compound was investigated for comparison on Ag(110). Angle and polarization dependent 2PPE measurements revealed the orientation of the perylene chromophore on the surface as controlled by the adsorption geometry of the respective anchor group on TiO2. UPS measurements gave the position of the HOMO level of the chromophore with respect to the Fermi level of the solid. The donor level of each molecule was found high enough to fulfill the “wide band limit” of heterogeneous electron transfer dynamics. Time constants for heterogeneous electron transfer were extracted from 2PPE transients. A difference by a factor of four was found, 13 fs against 47 fs, when a conjugated bond was exchanged for a saturated bond in the otherwise identical bridge group. The two different contributions to the 2PPE transients arising firstly from the excited state of the chromophore and secondly from the injected electrons were separated by measuring the latter contribution separately in the case of instantaneous interfacial electron transfer realized with catechol as adsorbate. The time scales measured for the electron transfer step and for the subsequent electron escape process from the surface into the bulk of TiO2 showed both good agreement with recent theoretical predictions of other groups for these systems.

Femtosecond Spectroscopic Investigation of the Carrier Lifetimes in Digenite Quantum Dots and Discrimination of the Electron and Hole Dynamics via Ultrafast Interfacial Electron Transfer

For the CuxS system there exists several known solid phases such as Cu2S (chalcocite), Cu1.8S (digenite), Cu1.96S (djurleite), and CuS (covellite). All of these phases have been identified as p-type semiconducting materials due to copper vacancies within the lattice, which is responsible for their usefulness as optoelectronic materials. The different CuxS phases show reportedly low band gap energies of ≥1.2 eV for the bulk, which makes them potentially ideal for application purposes of photoinduced voltaics or catalysis where activation through visible light is desired. In this study, we report on the femtosecond carrier dynamics of digenite copper sulfide quantum dots. Digenite quantum dots were prepared by a single source precursor type process and the optical transitions and dynamic properties of the photoinduced charge carriers in these novel nanomaterials characterized by femtosecond time-resolved spectroscopy. It is found that the larger quantum dots have longer excited-state lifetimes, which implies a strong surface-induced effect on the relaxation dynamics. In addition, the dynamics of the electron was differentiated from that of the hole by employing the technique of rapid (<100 fs) electron trapping at adsorbed organic electron acceptors such as benzoquinone.

Direct Observation of Ultrafast Electron Injection from Coumarin 343 to TiO2 Nanoparticles by Femtosecond Infrared Spectroscopy

Transient infrared (IR) absorption of injected electrons in colloidal TiO2 nanoparticles in the 1900−2000 cm-1 region are measured by femtosecond IR spectroscopy. The direct detection of electrons in the nanoparticles with subpicosecond time resolution provides a new approach to study ultrafast interfacial electron transfer between semiconductor nanoparticles and molecular adsorbates. The dynamics of electron injection from sensitizers to nanoparticles and the subsequent back-transfer and relaxation dynamics of the injected electrons correspond to the rise and decay of the transient IR signal of injected electrons. Using this technique, the injection time for coumarin 343 sensitized TiO2 nanoparticles in D2O is determined to be 125 ± 25 fs. The subsequent decay dynamics of the injected electrons in nanoparticles are found to be different from conduction band electrons in a bulk TiO2 crystal.