Triplet transfer from PbS quantum dots to tetracene ligands: is faster always better?

Victor Gray, William Drake, Jesse R. Allardice, Zhilong Zhang, James Xiao, Daniel G. Congrave, Jeroen Royakkers, Weixuan Zeng, Simon Dowland, Neil C. Greenham, Hugo Bronstein, John E. Anthony, Akshay Rao

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Quantum dot-organic semiconductor hybrid materials are gaining increasing attention as spin mixers for applications ranging from solar harvesting to spin memories. Triplet energy transfer between the inorganic quantum dot (QD) and organic semiconductor is a key step to understand in order to develop these applications. Here we report on the triplet energy transfer from PbS QDs to four energetically and structurally similar tetracene ligands. Even with similar ligands we find that the triplet energy transfer dynamics can vary significantly. For TIPS-tetracene derivatives with carboxylic acid, acetic acid and methanethiol anchoring groups on the short pro-cata side we find that triplet transfer occurs through a stepwise process, mediated via a surface state, whereas for monosubstituted TIPS-tetracene derivative 5-(4-benzoic acid)-12-triisopropylsilylethynyl tetracene (BAT) triplet transfer occurs directly, albeit slower, via a Dexter exchange mechanism. Even though triplet transfer is slower with BAT the overall yield is greater, as determined from upconverted emission using rubrene emitters. This work highlights that the surface-mediated transfer mechanism is plagued with parasitic loss pathways and that materials with direct Dexter-like triplet transfer are preferred for high-efficiency applications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)16321-16329
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C
Volume10
Issue number43
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 11 2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry

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