Evaluation of all-inorganic CdSe quantum dot thin films for optoelectronic applications

Exchanging the original organic ligands of colloidal CdSe quantum dots (QDs) with inorganic metal chalcogenide SnS(4) ligands resulted in absorption peak redshifts and complete photoluminescence (PL) quenching in QD solids. The SnS(4)-capped QDs, meanwhile, were able to retain strong excitonic absorption. After the ligand exchange, the ITO/QDs/Al structure showed much higher electrical conductivity and reduced space-charge limited current. Its photocurrent spectral response increased by over two orders of magnitude and closely resembled the absorption spectrum of the QDs. However, it was found that mild thermal treatment above 200 °C transformed the SnS(4)-capped QD film into to a more conductive assembly, degrading its absorption and photocurrent generation. These results suggest that the inorganic ligands considerably enhanced the inter-dot electronic coupling in QD solids, leading to facile charge separation and transport. Our study thus demonstrates the potential applicability of colloidal QDs with metal chalcogenide ligands processed at low temperatures for efficient photodetection and solar energy conversion.