Conjugated Polymer/Nanocrystal Nanocomposites for Renewable Energy Applications in Photovoltaics and Photocatalysis

Abstract

Conjugated polymer/nanocrystal composites have attracted much attention for use in renewable energy applications because of their versatile and synergistic optical and electronic properties. Upon absorbing photons, charge separation occurs in the nanocrystals, generating electrons and holes for photocurrent flow or reduction/oxidation (redox) reactions under proper conditions. Incorporating these nanocrystals into conjugated polymers can complement the visible light absorption range of the polymers for photovoltaics applications or allow the polymers to sensitize or immobilize the nanocrystals for photocatalysis. Here, the current developments of conjugated polymer/nanocrystal nanocomposites for bulk heterojunction-type photovoltaics incorporating Cd- and Pb-based nanocrystals or quantum dots are reviewed. The effects of manipulating the organic ligands and the concentration of the nanocrystal precursor, critical factors that affect the shape and aggregation of the nanocrystals, are also discussed. In the conclusion, the mechanisms through which conjugated polymers can sensitize semiconductor nanocrystals (TiO2 , ZnO) to ensure efficient charge separation, as well as how they can support immobilized nanocrystals for use in photocatalysis, are addressed.

Elastic properties of UV irradiated polyethylene-octene copolymer composites with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes

“…Polymer nanocomposites are in the focus of global academic research of the recent years due to enormous possibilities to obtain unique original materials with substantially improved properties for applications in energetics, electrotechnics, electronics, structural engineering and other fields of national economy [1][2][3][4][5]. Unique properties of the nanocomposites are generally imparted by modifying the matrix polymer with addition of various types of nanofillers.…”

Preparation and characterization of binary blends composed of poly(dioctylfluorene‐alt‐hexylsulfonylthiophene) and nonconjugated polymers

“…Conjugated polymers have attracted much attention in recent years due to their potential uses in light‐emitting diodes, field‐effect transistors, solar cells, and sensors . The optical and electronic properties of conjugated polymers can be readily tailored by changing the chemical structure, the substituent, and the molecular weight of the polymers.…”

Side‐Chain‐Bulk Effects on the Molecular Packing and Photovoltaic Performance of Benzotrithiophene–Benzooxadiazole Conjugated Copolymers

“…[1][2][3][4] Significant progress has been made in recent years such that the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of single and tandem cells, prepared under laboratory conditions, have exceeded 9 and 10 %, [5][6][7] respectively.I nt he development of highly efficient PSCs, the exploration of new conjugated polymers plays ac entral role. [1][2][3][4] Significant progress has been made in recent years such that the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of single and tandem cells, prepared under laboratory conditions, have exceeded 9 and 10 %, [5][6][7] respectively.I nt he development of highly efficient PSCs, the exploration of new conjugated polymers plays ac entral role.…”

“…Bulk heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cells (PSCs) have potential as at echnology for energy generation because they can be manufactured at low cost and high outputb yu sing solution processing (e.g.,r oll-to-roll or injection printing). [1][2][3][4] Significant progress has been made in recent years such that the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of single and tandem cells, prepared under laboratory conditions, have exceeded 9 and 10 %, [5][6][7] respectively.I nt he development of highly efficient PSCs, the exploration of new conjugated polymers plays ac entral role. Because donor-acceptor (D-A) approaches allow tuning of the energy levels and bandgaps, polymers based on alternating Da nd Af ragments (electron-rich and electron-poor groups,r espectively)h ave been studied extensively.…”