Semiconductor Nanoparticle Organic Frameworks with Inherent Rectification
This project will exploit the ability to precisely control coupling between inorganic semiconductor nanoparticles and organic π-systems by virtue of the unique tunability of their relative energy levels and their assembly into 2D- and 3D-nanoparticle organic frameworks (NOF). This leads to selective charge transport properties (hole- or electron-only) and thus inherent rectification in new functional organic-inorganic semiconductor mesocrystals as building blocks for optoelectronic devices. The close-packed, periodic structure of these assembled hybrid materials allows for a systematic study and exploitation of collective effects in coupled nanoparticle ensembles, such as dipole-dipole interactions, band-like transport and mini-band formation. By using photochromic molecules as the organic component, electronic inter-particle coupling can be switched by the selective absorption of light which opens opportunities for applications as electrochemical or optical sensors. Applications for this new scheme of energy level tailoring range from sensors/detectors over solar cells to light-emitting thin films.
Duration
April 2014 - March 2016