Photoinduced Interfacial Electron Transfer and Lateral Charge Transport in Molecular Donor–Acceptor Photovoltaic Systems

Abstract

Nanostructured liquid/solid and solid/solid bulk heterojunctions designed for the conversion of solar energy offer ideal models for the investigation of light-induced ET dynamics at surfaces. Despite significant study of processes leading to charge generation in third-generation solar cells, a conclusive picture of the photophysics of these photovoltaic converters is still missing. More specifically searched is the link between the molecular structure of the interface and the kinetics of surface photoredox reactions. Fundamental scientific issues in this field are addressed by the research project undertaken in the frame of the NCCR MUST endeavor, an outline of which is given here.

Dynamics and Mechanisms of Interfacial Photoinduced Electron Transfer Processes of Third Generation Photovoltaics and Photocatalysis

“…Currently, we focus our research on the preparation and characterization of photovoltaic and photocatalytic systems, as well as on the understanding of the underlying processes. [1][2][3][4][5] In this context, it is particularly interesting to elucidate the dynamics of fundamental processes (such as photoinduced electron transfer, charge transport, energy transfer and relaxation), which prevail in the nanomaterials and their interfaces. These processes are not only essential to the functioning of the studied system itself, but may also be relevant for many other materials and applications.…”

“…In addition, terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) allows the dynamics of low frequency vibrations in molecules, solvents, solids, and supramolecular systems to be studied, as well as charge carrier mobility and transport mechanisms in nanomaterials. [4][5][6][7] Light-driven Charge Separation…”