Tuning photoinduced charge transfer in quantum dot-based hybrids via self-assembly

Hybrid nanomaterials combine organic, inorganic, metal or biological components onto a given nanostructure to achieve specific properties, combination of specific properties or new properties that may not exist in separated components. Hybrid nanomaterials have seen widespread utilization in various fields, including optoelectronic, batteries, biosensing and nanomedicine. The ability to tune the interaction between the components in a hybrid allows one to enhance relevant properties of a hybrid towards its utilization in a particular desired application. Our group uses self-assembly methods to develop quantum dot-based hybrids with tunable photovoltaic relevant properties such as charge and energy transfer and studies these hybrids with time-resolved single molecule spectroscopy. I will discuss two examples on how self-assembly can be used to control charge transfer between quantum dots and acceptor materials like conductive polymers [1] and fullerenes [2] to achieve improved properties for photovoltaic applications.