Open AccessEfficient photocapacitors via ternary hybrid photovoltaic optimization for photostimulation of neurons
Author(s) -
Shashi Bhushan Srivastava,
Rustamzhon Melikov,
Erdost Yıldız,
Mertcan Han,
Afsun Şahin,
Sedat Nizamoğlu
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
biomedical optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.362
H-Index - 86
ISSN - 2156-7085
DOI - 10.1364/boe.396068
Subject(s) - materials science , optoelectronics , responsivity , ternary operation , photostimulation , heterojunction , light intensity , photovoltaic system , nanoporous , photoresistor , photodetector , nanotechnology , optics , chemistry , computer science , biochemistry , physics , programming language , ecology , biology
Optoelectronic photoelectrodes based on capacitive charge-transfer offer an attractive route to develop safe and effective neuromodulators. Here, we demonstrate efficient optoelectronic photoelectrodes that are based on the incorporation of quantum dots (QDs) into poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) and [6,6]-Phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) bulk heterojunction. We control the performance of the photoelectrode by the blend ratio, thickness, and nanomorphology of the ternary bulk heterojunction. The optimization led to a photocapacitor that has a photovoltage of 450 mV under a light intensity level of 20 mW.cm -2 and a responsivity of 99 mA/W corresponding to the most light-sensitive organic photoelectrode reported to date. The photocapacitor can facilitate action potential generation by hippocampal neurons via burst waveforms at an intensity level of 20 mW.cm -2 . Therefore, the results point to an alternative direction in the engineering of safe and ultra-light-sensitive neural interfaces.