Light-induced charge transfer in hybrid composites of organic semiconductors and silicon nanocrystals

Charge transfer between silicon nanocrystals (Si-nc) and organic semiconductors has been investigated via light-induced electron spin resonance (LESR). Composites of Si-nc with the hole conductor poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and with the electron acceptor [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) have been investigated. The LESR measurements allow one to quantify light-induced charge transfer between Si-nc and P3HT, which results in positive P3HT polarons. PCBM, in contrast, acts as an electron acceptor in composites with Si-nc, and after illumination, negative PCBM radicals are created. These results are discussed in terms of light-induced generation and separation of charge carriers in the hybrid composites.