Abstract

There has been intense recent interest in composite materials of conjugated polymers with inorganic semiconductor nanoparticles, especially as potential materials for solar energy conversion [1,2]. Fast and efficient charge separation is a critical factor in optimizing the efficiency of such materials. Charge transfer between conjugated polymer and nanoparticle is a fundamental problem that is still poorly understood. It differs from dye-sensitized nanoparticles, because optical excitations in polymers are extended over a few monomer units and the excitations are mobile along the polymer chain. It also differs from electron tunneling through a junction between two solids, which is commonly dealt with in solid state devices. In polymer materials, the detailed nature of the polymer will have a determining effect on the interfacial dynamics. A fundamental understanding of interfacial ET dynamics will require systematic examination of various parameters of polymer, semiconductors and their interface.

© 2002 Optical Society of America