Multilayers of CdSe nanocrystal and bis(dithiocarbamate) linkers displayng record photoconduction

Bis(dithiocarbamate) molecules were reacted with (hexadecylamine/stearate)-capped CdSe nanocrystals (7.5 nm diameter) to form multilayers on ITO glass via layer-by-layer alternation.
The new materials were investigated by UV−vis and FTIR spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and photoconductivity. We found that the replacement of bulky surface ligands, capping spherical CdSe-NCs, by bis(dithiocarbamate) molecules strongly enhances the photoconductivity of the films.
Compared with that for multilayers produced with bis(carboxylate) linkers of comparable length and structure, the photoconductivity attains record values up to 100 times higher when 1,4-phenylenebis-(dithiocarbamate) is used.
Further photophysical and theoretical studies are in progress to understand the role of bis(dithiocarbamate) on films’ photoconductivity.

http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jp307125n

vercelli@ieni.cnr.it