Layer-by-layer assembly of thin film zener diodes from conducting polymers and CdSe nanoparticles

Thierry Cassagneau, Thomas E. Mallouk, Janos H. Fendler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

288 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ultrathin films have been prepared by self-assembling trioctylphosphine oxide, TOPO, capped n-type 20-40 Å diameter CdSe nanoparticles and 1,6- hexadecanethiol, HDT, onto p-doped semiconducting polymers, chemically deposited poly(3-methylthiophene), PMeT (for Device A), and electrochemically deposited poly(pyrrole), Ppy (for Device B). The semiconducting polymers have, in turn, been electrochemically layered (for Device A) or layer-by- layer chemically assembled (for Device B) onto derivatized conducting substrates. The ultrathin films have been characterized by absorption and emission spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and by electrochemical measurements. By controlling the level of doping into the p-type junction, it was possible to prepare dissymmetrical junctions and observe a rectifying behavior in the forward direction and a Zener breakdown in the reverse direction for Au/PMeT/(HDT/CdSe)3, Device A, and for Au/MEA/Ppy/(HDT/CdSe)3, Device B. Additionally, Au/MeA/PAH/CdSe (PAH = poly(allylamine hydrochloride)), Au/MEA/Ppy/PSS/CdSe (PSS = polystyrene sulfonate), and Au/MEA/Ppy/α-ZrP/CdSe (α-ZrP = α zirconium phosphate) films have been prepared and characterized.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)7848-7859
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume120
Issue number31
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 12 1998

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Catalysis
  • Chemistry(all)
  • Biochemistry
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Layer-by-layer assembly of thin film zener diodes from conducting polymers and CdSe nanoparticles'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this