Development and Study of Hybrid Organic-Colloidal Quantum Dot Systems
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Surrey
Department Name: Advanced Technology Institute
Abstract
Carbon-based materials (organic or polymer materials) are of great interest to researchers and industry due to their wide ranging properties and potential to fabricate low-cost devices from them. In recent years intensive research into these types of materials has lead to their use in electrical devices such as light emitting diodes for display applications. This research has proved particularly successful and these devices are now found in a number of commercial applications. Following the success of this work researchers have turned their attention to using these materials in devices that emit near infra-red (NIR) light, and in solar cells. Due to a number of limiting factors, this research has not to date been able to demonstrate these types of devices operating with a high enough efficiency. The limiting factors are based on the fundamental properties of these materials and include the processes that lead to light being emitted and the mechanisms that allow energy and charge to move between and within the materials.Recently, a new class of non-carbon based (inorganic) particles have been developed that behave like artificial atoms called quantum dots (QDs). These QDs have a number of properties that are of interest for use in devices such as those mentioned above. In particular, QDs can be designed and tuned to emit light efficiently from the visible into the infra-red region of the spectrum if suitably excited. These QDs can also be isolated and coated with organic materials thus allowing them to be used in hybrid systems that mix organic and inorganic materials together. Such hybrid systems have great potential for producing a new generation of efficient devices including solar cells and infra-red emitters that are highly efficient and low cost to produce. However, all of the devices reported to date (that are based on this hybrid mixture of materials) have exhibited efficiencies well below what could be possible if the systems were better designed. In order to design such 'optimised systems' the interactions between the organic and inorganic materials must be fully understood so we can utilise the mechanisms taking place to our favour.The research to be carried out in this programme is designed to obtain a clearer understanding of the interactions and associated mechanisms that take place between the organic and inorganic materials (organic molecules and QDs respectively) in these hybrid systems. The techniques that will be used include studying these processes in real-time using femtosecond spectroscopy techniques along with other more standard techniques. By varying the organic molecules and QDs used, detailed measurements of a number of representative systems will be obtained. The experimental data obtained will be used to formulate an understanding of the significant processes that govern the interactions in these systems, and how this relates to current models. Having obtained this understanding it will be used to design and optimise new hybrid systems with improved efficiency for the applications in mind. We will use these 'optimised hybrid systems' to demonstrate optically and electrically excited emission in the NIR with improved efficiency over currently state-of-the-art devices. Similarly, we will also seek to demonstrate a solar cell with significantly improved efficiency.There are two further aims of this research. One of these aims is to establish an international collaboration with leading chemists in Korea that will benefit the research carried out at each institution and the wider research community in each country. In this collaboration the chemists will provide QDs designed to emit in the NIR coated in a number of different organic complexes (ligands). The second aim is to establish a recognised research group led by the applicant carrying out leading work on the development and study of functional organic and hybrid materials for device applications.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Richard Curry (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Nordin MN
(2010)
Charge transfer in hybrid organic-inorganic PbS nanocrystal systems.
in Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP
Saran R
(2014)
Ultrahigh performance C60 nanorod large area flexible photoconductor devices via ultralow organic and inorganic photodoping.
in Scientific reports
Green M
(2016)
The Biosynthesis of Infrared-Emitting Quantum Dots in Allium Fistulosum.
in Scientific reports
Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Nanditha Madujith
(2008)
Semiconductor nanocrystal hybrid photovoltaics
Richard Curry (Speaker)
(2008)
Extending Functionality into the Infra-red Without Increasing the Cost
Richard Curry (Speaker)
(2008)
Organic:PbS-nanocrystal:Fullerene Hybrid Photovoltaic Devices
Richard Curry (Speaker)
(2008)
Development of Efficient Low-Cost Optoelectronic Device using Hybrid Organi-Inorganic Nanoparticle Systems
Richard Curry (Speaker)
(2007)
Enhancement of Device Properties Through Use of Nanostructured Surfaces
Richard Curry (Speaker)
(2008)
Efficient Hybrid Si-Compatible Near-Infrared OLEDs
Description | This project led to the first demonstration of hybrid organic-inorganic systems that are able to capture visible and near infrared sunlight and turn this into an electric photocurrent. To achieve this photovoltaic devices (solar cells) were developed that contained lead sulphide (PbS) nanocrystals (NCs) which enabled near infrared light to be absorbed in conjunction with various organic materials. Sensitivity to the sun's light was extended from the typical limit of ~800nm for organic only devices to the near infrared ~1500nm. The priject also enabled the demonstration of the first efficient hybrid organic-nanocrystal near infrared electroluminescent device displaying internal efficiencies of ~12%. This led to other international research groups adopting the device design to further improve device efficiencies. Following the project a series of world-leading photodetector devices were also realized leading to significant interest from international companies. |
Exploitation Route | The work is of use to those looking to establish a list of potential candidate technologies that might fulfill current and future market demands. In doing so it then may help inform decision making relating long-term investment and industry-based research and development programmes. The work is also of potential interest in education as it draws together topics of energy production, engineering and physics showing the interconnectivity of traditional and new disciplines and themes. |
Sectors | Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Energy |
URL | http://www.surrey.ac.uk/ati/nec/people/richard_curry/index.htm |
Description | The research undertaken led the use of PbS quantum dots in conjunction with organic materials to harvest near-infrared light for photovoltaic applications and also to achieve efficient near infrared electroluminescence. A number of peer reviewed journal articles can be directly linked to the research undertaken drawing >200 citations to date. Furthermore, the basic principles developed during the project have been taken up by research labs internationally and further developed. |
First Year Of Impact | 2006 |
Sector | Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software) |
Impact Types | Economic |
Description | Direct magnetic measurement of excitonic induced magnetization in colloidal nanocrystals |
Amount | £106,044 (GBP) |
Funding ID | RPG-234 |
Organisation | The Leverhulme Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2011 |
End | 11/2013 |
Title | Efficienct Near Infrared Electroluminescent Device |
Description | First truely efficient organic:inorganic hybrid light emitting diode operating in the near infrared |
Type Of Technology | New/Improved Technique/Technology |
Year Produced | 2008 |
Impact | Device architecture taken up by leading US group to develop further devices. |
Title | Fullerite Photodetectors |
Description | High performance hybrid, flexible, broadband photodetectors |
Type Of Technology | Detection Devices |
Year Produced | 2014 |
Impact | Direct contact from industry to engage in collaborative research. Industry providing new materials and funding for PhD studentship. Industry also providing advice on EPSRC funded research programme. |
Title | Hybrid Photovoltaic Devices |
Description | First hybrid organic-inorganic photovoltaic device accessing visible and NIR spectral region |
Type Of Technology | New/Improved Technique/Technology |
Year Produced | 2007 |
Impact | Prompted worldwide research into the use of nanocrystals to improve solar cell efficiencies. |
Description | ATI 5-year open Day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
Results and Impact | Presentation to industrial and academic audience of key results. Industrial requests for information. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007 |
Description | BBC photodetector interview |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Public informed about leading research taking place within University. Unknown. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | ICOOMA Workshop 2014 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Invited tutorial on optoelectronic organic materials. Engagement with PhD and early career researchers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | MRS Interview for webcast/video |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Interviewed at MRS Sping Meeting 2008 on photovoltaics for potential use in webcast and videp promoting materials research to a generic audience. Not followed up. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2008 |
Description | Media interest Photodetectors |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Review articles in trade and specialist publications explaining research reported in leading academic journal. A number of follow-on inquiries resulted. These included those from other media organizations and also from companies. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Media interest Photodetectors (public) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Press release picked up by national news outlets (various countries). Public informed about leading research taking place within University. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Presentation to Investors (Surrey 100) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Presentation of work to a group of venture capitalists and private funders. Preliminary discussions with potential investors about future technology opportunities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
Description | St Andrews Talk 2013 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
Results and Impact | Presentation of recent results to academic audience. Questions and discussions following talk helped in the preparation of manuscript submitted for publication. Open invitation to collaborate. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
Description | Zing Nanocrystals |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
Results and Impact | Plenary talk at conference. Invitation to attend Rank Prize Fund Conference as Invited Speaker. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |