Controlling the distribution of CdSe colloidal quantum dots in conducting polymer nanocomposite thin films using matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation

CdSe colloidal quantum dot (CQD)/poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4- phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV) nanocomposite thin films were deposited onto ITO-coated glass and carbon grids using two techniques (simultaneous and sequential deposition) of matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE). The distributions of CdSe CQD in the polymer films were investigated as a function of deposition method, deposition parameter, and target matrix composition using transmission electron microscopy. The current-voltage characteristics of the MAPLE-deposited films were also investigated, as were the hole drift mobilities determined by time-of-flight measurements. From these data, the impact of CdSe CQD distribution within the polymer thin film was accessed, which has potential implications to achieving more efficient CQD-based hybrid nanocomposite photovoltaic devices. © 2009 Materials Research Society.