Toward single molecule interfacial charge transfer dynamics in a dye-sensitized solar cell model

Laura K. Schirra; Michael L. Blumenfeld; Brandon S. Tackett; Jason M. Tyler; Oliver L. A. Monti

doi:10.1117/12.795572

21 August 2008 Toward single molecule interfacial charge transfer dynamics in a dye-sensitized solar cell model

Laura K. Schirra, Michael L. Blumenfeld, Brandon S. Tackett, Jason M. Tyler, Oliver L. A. Monti

Proceedings Volume 7034, Physical Chemistry of Interfaces and Nanomaterials VII; 703409 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.795572
Event: NanoScience + Engineering, 2008, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Using confocal fluorescence microscopy under ultrahigh vacuum conditions, we investigate the heterogeneous interactions between a perylene bisimide fluorophore and single crystalline Al₂O₃ (0001) at the single molecule level. We find that the dye molecules undergo reversible transitions to long-lived dark states, with bright and dark periods lasting from several hundred milliseconds to many tens of seconds. These periods are power-law distributed and point towards charge tunneling processes from the molecule to the substrate. The fluorescence intensity levels show a bimodal distribution, indicating different classes of adsorption sites on the sapphire surface. This study is aimed at obtaining a better understanding of interfacial structure and dynamics in order to address ultimately both the growth of organic semiconductor films on inorganic surfaces and the heterogeneous nature of charge transfer in excitonic solar cells.

Citation Download Citation

Laura K. Schirra, Michael L. Blumenfeld, Brandon S. Tackett, Jason M. Tyler, and Oliver L. A. Monti "Toward single molecule interfacial charge transfer dynamics in a dye-sensitized solar cell model", Proc. SPIE 7034, Physical Chemistry of Interfaces and Nanomaterials VII, 703409 (21 August 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.795572

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available