Date of Award
12-1-2012
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Chemistry
First Advisor
Kohli, Punit
Abstract
In this thesis, cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots (QDs) are synthesized and characterized for patterning applications as well as for photovoltaic devices. The QDs were patterned and embedded into various polymers to form fluorescent composites. Their photophysical properties were investigated in detail. Through template assisted deposition the QDs-polymer composites were patterned into fluorescent nanorods. CdSe QDs were combined with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using a synthesized organic perylene derivative dye (N,N'-di(ethanethiol)-perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxyl diimide) (ETPTCDI) as a link between QDs and CNTs. Upon testing, the QDs-ETPTCDI-CNTs nanocomposite displayed photoactive properties. Photophysical quenching studies of QD-ETPTCDI-CNTs provided better understanding of the electron-hole transfer of each component in the nanocomposite. The nanocomposite material was patterned onto microelectrode devices for photocurrent measurements under an AM1.5 solar simulated light source. These nanocomposites can be used as photovoltaic devices. The preliminary characterization studies of the device show excellent photoresponse under AM1.5 solar simulated light. The band gap alignment of each component of the nanocomposite and the charge transfer kinetics are the key to efficient electron-hole transfer. Optimization of the semiconducting material's interface can potentially make these nanocomposites a system for photovoltaic-based devices.
Access
This thesis is only available for download to the SIUC community. Current SIUC affiliates may also access this paper off campus by searching Dissertations & Theses @ Southern Illinois University Carbondale from ProQuest. Others should contact the interlibrary loan department of your local library or contact ProQuest's Dissertation Express service.