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The Science Seminar Series: September 2, 2010
Light-Induced Charge Separation in Ligand-Modified Nanoparticulate Semiconductor Films
Dr. Linda de la Garza
Department of Chemistry
Valdosta State University
Student Union Theater
Time: 4:00 -5:00pm
One way to improve solar energy to electrical energy conversion is to enhance the charge separation by multi-step electron transfer, similar to the initial mechanisms that occur in photosynthetic systems. Semiconductor crystals such as titanium dioxide on the nanoscale conserve the band-gap properties of bulk semiconductor, have large surface area available for chemical modification, and form charge-transfer complexes with surface modifiers. Films of titanium dioxide nanoparticles have been assembled and modified with enediol ligands. The light-induced current production of the films is enhanced upon surface modification and has been found to be further improved by the linking of a conductive polymer.