Enhanced multiple exciton dissociation from CdSe quantum rods: the effect of nanocrystal shape

A unique ability of semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) is the generation and accommodation of multiple excitons through either optical or electric current pumping. The development and improvement of NC-based optoelectronic devices that utilize multiple excitons requires the understanding of multiple exciton dynamics and their efficient conversion to emitted photons or external charges prior to exciton-exciton annihilation. Here, we demonstrate that significantly enhanced multiexciton dissociation efficiency can be achieved in CdSe quantum rods (QRs) compared to CdSe quantum dots (QDs). Using transient absorption spectroscopy, we reveal the formation of bound one-dimensional exciton states in CdSe QRs and that multiple exciton Auger recombination occurs primarily via exciton-exciton collision. Furthermore, quantum confinement in the QR radial direction facilitates ultrafast exciton dissociation by interfacial electron transfer to adsorbed acceptors. Under high excitation intensity, more than 21 electrons can be transferred from one CdSe QR to adsorbed methylviologen molecules, greatly exceeding the multiexciton dissociation efficiency of CdSe QDs.