| This dissertation examines the chemistry and photophysics of semiconductor quantum dots with the intent of studying their capabilities and limitations as they pertain to photovoltaic technologies. Specifically, experiments are presented detailing the first time-resolved measurements of electron transfer in electronically coupled quantum rods. Electron transfer from the conduction band of CdTe was measured to occur on the 400 fs timescale (k ET = 2.5 x 1012 s-1), more than 500x faster than previously believed. Additionally, the direct optical promotion of an electron from the valence band of CdTe was observed, occurring on the timescale of the pump pulse (∼50 fs). Based on the determined injection rates, a carrier separation efficiency of > 90% has been calculated suggesting these materials are sufficient for use in solar energy capture applications where efficient carrier separation is critical. To this end, model photovoltaic cells were fabricated, and their power conversion efficiency and photon-to-current generation efficiency characterized. In devices based of CdSe and heteromaterial quantum rods we observed fill-factors on the order of 10-20% though with power conversion efficiencies of < 0.02%. It was discovered that using a high temperature annealing step, while critical to get electrochemically stable photoelectrodes, was detrimental to quantum confinement effects and likely removed any hQR specific capabilities.;Additionally, a detailed study on the role of nucleotide triphosphate chemistry in stabilizing emissive CdS nanoparticles is presented. Specifically it was observed that in a neutral pH environment, GTP selectively stabilizes CdS quantum dots with diameters of ∼4 nm while the other naturally occurring ribonucleotides do not yield emissive product. The selectivity is dependent on the presence of the nucleophilic N-7 electrons near a triphosphate pocket for Cd2+ complexation as well as an exocyclic amine to stabilize the resulting product particles. However, in an elevated pH environment, the nucleobase specificity is relaxed and all NTPs yield photo-emissive quantum dots with PLQEs as high as 10%. |
