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Characterization and Polymerization of Thienylphenyl and Selenylphenyl Amines and Their Interaction with CdSe Quantum Dots
Author(s) -
LanaVillarreal Teresa,
FontSanchis Enrique,
SastreSantos Ángela,
FernándezLázaro Fernando,
Gómez Roberto
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
chemphyschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.016
H-Index - 140
eISSN - 1439-7641
pISSN - 1439-4235
DOI - 10.1002/cphc.201001069
Subject(s) - quantum dot , photoluminescence , polymerization , materials science , context (archaeology) , excited state , doping , substrate (aquarium) , photochemistry , nanotechnology , chemistry , optoelectronics , physics , polymer , atomic physics , paleontology , oceanography , geology , composite material , biology
Hybrid quantum‐dot‐sensitized solar cells show promising novel optoelectronic properties. An adequate design of such cells requires a deep understanding of the characteristics of each component, including their interactions. In this context, the electrochemical properties of two different hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) and their chemical interactions with trioctylphosphine‐capped CdSe quantum dots are investigated to evaluate their potential use in hybrid quantum‐dot‐sensitized solar cells. Tris[4‐(thien‐2‐yl)phenyl]amine (TTPA) and tris[4‐(selen‐2‐yl)phenyl]amine (TSePA) are studied in the solid state as thin films deposited on a conducting substrate. Spectroelectrochemical studies evidence both solid‐state electropolymerization and doping. Upon addition of TSePA or partially polymerized TTPA to a colloidal solution of trioctylphosphine‐capped CdSe quantum dots, the steady‐state photoluminescence is quenched. This suggests that the quantum dots and the HTM strongly interact, probably through an excited‐state charge‐transfer mechanism. The combination of all these pieces of information indicates that polymerized TTPA and TSePA are potential candidates as HTMs for hybrid quantum‐dot‐sensitized solar cells.