Hybrid vigour for semiconductors
Traditionally, materials science has focused on organic molecular frameworks and inorganic extended crystal networks. The recent development of hybrid inorganic-organic compounds offers a new set of exciting prospects, particularly in areas like semiconductors. Applying first-principle electronic structure methods, the EU-funded 'Electronic structure modeling of hybrid organic-inorganic semiconductors' (Hybrid Energy) project has provided an insight into the structural and electronic properties of these hybrid systems. Making use of novel electronic properties causing changes in optical and conducting properties, the Hybrid Energy team selected the best candidates for commercial application. Two compounds displaying the most promise for predetermined functionalities were titanium (IV) oxide (TiO2) and lead (II) sulphide (PbS). Using a metal organic framework based onTiO2 delivered encouraging photochromic behaviour. Changing colour from white to blue, this property can be exploited in next generation smart windows. Regarding the lead compound, the ease with which the electrons can be excited from the valence band to the conduction band, known as the band gap, may lead to the development of a new type of solar cell architecture. Basically, the band gap of PbS can be tuned by using the dimensions of the inorganic network. Application of this property can provide a handy mechanism for tailoring the electronic properties for both light absorption and emission. Designing novel functional materials using electron structure modelling for energy-related applications is a growth area with vast potential for research small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the electronics sector in general. Harnessing energy from quantum changes in hybrid inorganic-organic compounds is creating a myriad of opportunities in sustainable energy forms.
