Structure, transport and photoconductance of PbS quantum dot monolayers functionalized with a copper phthalocyanine derivative

Abstract

We simultaneously surface-functionalize PbS nanocrystals with Cu 4,4′,4′′,4′′′-tetraaminophthalocyanine and assemble this hybrid material into macroscopic monolayers. Electron microscopy and X-ray scattering reveal a granular mesocrystalline structure with strong coherence between the atomic lattice and the superlattice of nanocrystals within each domain. Terahertz spectroscopy and field-effect transistor measurements indicate efficient coupling of holes throughout the hybrid thin film, in conjunction with a pronounced photoresponse. We demonstrate the potential of this material for optoelectronic applications by fabricating a light-effect transistor.