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Controlling Wavefunction Overlap for Triplet Energy Transfer in Organic/Nanocrystal Quantum Dots Hybrids

Project description

New study investigates the mechanism of exciton transfer to quantum dots

Spin-dependent processes play a key role in organic semiconductors, with examples ranging from organic photovoltaics to light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The process of extraction of triplet excitons from organic semiconductors to quantum dots remains largely unexplored. Researchers within the EU-funded TRITON project have demonstrated triplet exciton transfer from molecular acenes to semiconductor nanocrystals. The process allows dark triplet excitons to be converted into photons. The team will now investigate the underlying mechanism controlling the triplet exciton transfer from molecular systems to quantum dot surfaces. Results will prove very useful for improving the efficiency of light generation in LEDs and solar cell systems.

Objective

The generation, control and transfer of triplet excitons in molecular and hybrid systems is of great interest for optoelectronic applications such as light emission, singlet fission, up/down-conversion and photovoltaics. While coupling triplet excitons from inorganic QDs to organic molecules has been well demonstrated, the reverse process, the transfer of triplets from organic semiconductors to QDs is much more challenging and the underlying reasons are still unclear to the field. Recently, the host group has demonstrated that it is possible to transfer triplet excitons from molecular acenes to emissive nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs). This allows the direct conversion of dark triplet excitons to photons in the hybrids. As triplets generation yield through singlet fission in acene molecules can be up to 200%, this discovery opens a new avenue for highly efficient down-conversion. However, the exact factors that govern the transfer, especially the role of interfaces between the two components, remains unknown. The project will build on the host group’s discovery to develop the fundamental science of this new hybrids platform for optoelectronics. Specifically, we will develop a series of highly controlled solution/solid phase systems, where the interfacial conditions of the hybrid will be intentionally modified. The surface ligands, passivation, energy states of the QDs and the distance to the molecules will be precisely controlled. The molecules will also be covalently attached to the QD surface by a range of functional groups. These systems will be studied with steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopies with the aim of elucidating the underlying mechanism controlling the wavefunction overlap and triplet exciton transfer in the hybrids. We will also conduct proof of concept experiments to demonstrate the use of the optimised hybrid materials for down-convertor. These fundamental investigations will open up new possibilities for down-conversion and optoelectronics.

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2018

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Coordinator

THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 224 933,76
Address
TRINITY LANE THE OLD SCHOOLS
CB2 1TN CAMBRIDGE
United Kingdom

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Region
East of England East Anglia Cambridgeshire CC
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 224 933,76
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