Exceptional photoconductivity in poly (3-hexyl thiophene) fibers through in-situ encapsulation of molybdenum disulfide quantum dots.
21 May 2018
Abstract
Photo-responsive, electrically conductive nanostructures are highly desirable for wide-ranging applications in energy harvesting, nanophotonics and optoelectronic devices. To this end, we realize self-assembled, photoconductive hybrids of poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) micro- and nano-fibers integrated with MoS2 quantum dots (QDs).
We present an innovative strategy to impregnate QDs within the walls of the P3HT fibers resulting in emergence of controllable photoconductivity of the QD-P3HT hybrid. The maximum photoconductivity ( >80% higher than pristine P3HT) is observed at 360 nm and originates from a synergistic combination of (a) defect healing and quenching of surface trap states in QDs by P3HT and (b) efficient generation and transfer of photo-excited charges from P3HT to QDs.
This mechanism is substantiated by a concomitant decrease in excited-state lifetime of QD-P3HT hybrid. Further, a linear correlation between enhancement in emission of QDs and emission quenching of P3HT supports the proposed mechanism of excited-state charge transfer.
Finally, hybrid of MoS2 nanosheets (NS) with P3HT fibers (NS-P3HT) does not exhibit any photo-conductivity and instead exhibits ground state charge transfer, underlying the critical role of quantum confinement effects operating in QD-P3HT hybrid. Thus, we demonstrate synergistic, self-assembled QD-P3HT hybrid exhibiting optically controllable electrical conductivity in solid state as novel functional materials for optoelectronic applications.
Citation
Nair, V., Kumar, A. and Subramaniam, C., 2018. Exceptional photoconductivity in poly (3-hexyl thiophene) fibers through in-situ encapsulation of molybdenum disulfide quantum dots. Nanoscale.
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Category: Solar & Photovoltaics