This poster describes recent approaches to use molecular silanes to improve coupling between silicon quantum dots and organic transmitters for photon upconversion applications. Photon upconversion is a photochemical phenomenon in which two low energy photons are absorbed and converted to one higher energy photon. Upconverting systems are thus attractive materials for solar energy harvesting and bioimaging applications. Hybrid systems that directly interface silicon quantum dots (QDs) with organic emitters are particularly promising in this regard, as silicon is both earth abundant and non-toxic. Previously reported systems have used alkyl linkers to couple the Si QD to anthracene-based transmitters; however, the weak conjugation in alkanes fundamentally limits the strength of coupling between the QI and transmitter. Here, we exploit the strong conjugation in Si-Si σ-bonds to improve this coupling for improved upconversion efficiency. This poster will describe methods for the synthesis and attachment of anthracenyl oligosilanes to Si QD surfaces, and their resulting photophysical properties. Our results demonstrate that interfacing Si QDs with π-conjugated transmitters via conjugated molecular silanes is a powerful design approach for photon upconversion materials.

Conjugated oligosilane linkers for improved photon upconversion in hybrid materials

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.