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Multi-charge transfer from photodoped ITO nanocrystals
Michele Ghini1,2, Andrea Rubino3, Andrea Camellini3
1Department of Nanochemistry, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Via Morego 30 16163 Genova Italy.
Nanoscale Advances
|December 16, 2021
Summary
Metal oxide nanocrystals can store multiple electrons after light absorption. This study shows these stored electrons can drive multi-electron chemical reactions, advancing sustainable energy technologies.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Metal oxide nanocrystals are crucial for energy conversion technologies.
- Photodoping allows accumulating multiple charge carriers in nanocrystals.
- Efficiently extracting these stored electrons is key for applications like photocatalysis and energy storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate multi-electron transfer from photodoped tin-doped indium oxide (Sn:In2O3) nanocrystals.
- To demonstrate the reactivity of stored electrons for chemical processes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized oxidative titration and optical spectroscopy.
- Studied electron transfer to F4TCNQ (a common organic electron acceptor).
Main Results:
- Provided evidence for multi-electron transfer processes.
- Demonstrated efficient electron extraction from photodoped Sn:In2O3 nanocrystals.
- Showcased the capability of stored electrons to engage in reactions requiring multiple electrons.
Conclusions:
- Photodoped electrons in metal oxide nanocrystals can drive multi-electron chemical reactions.
- This finding has significant implications for sustainable energy development, including photoconversion, energy storage, photocatalysis, and photoelectrochemistry.
