Physics of nonradiative energy transfer in the complex media of 0D, 2D and 3D materials

Abstract

Quantum-confined colloidal nanostructures with strong excitonic properties have emerged as promising light harvesting components in photonics and optoelectronics over the past 20 years. With their favorable photophysical characteristics, three-dimensional-confined colloidal quantum dots and 2D-confined colloidal quantum wells have garnered great attention in the fields ranging from biology and chemistry to physics and engineering. It is technologically significant to utilize the key characteristics of these brightly luminescent nanomaterials through hybridizing and/or interfacing with various technological materials including 3D bulk silicon, graphene based 2D structures such as graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide, and 2D layered transition metal dichalcogenides such as molybdenum disulphide. Compelling partnership of these appealing materials can be achieved through the nonradiative energy transfer (NRET), which is a phenomenon involving both the exciton and charge transfer mechanisms. Along with the hybrids of low dimensional particles with the conventional bulk materials, the closely interacting structures of these colloidal and layered nanomaterials have widespread interest at both the fundamental science and application levels. From these physical and technological points of view, in this thesis, we addressed important scientific problems and proposed innovative solutions including both the experimental and theoretical approaches in interfacing complex media of 0D, 2D and 3D materials and showing strong NRET interactions. Our key achievements include high excitonic enhancement in silicon and graphene based materials with the integration of nanoparticles, comprehensive photophysical investigation of the newly emerging nanomaterials and successful tailoring of the colloidal nanostructures to the next-generation optoelectronic applications.