Semiconductor nanoclusters and fullerenes: A new class of sensitizing dyes for photoconductive polymers

Abstract

Over the past decade, a large number of nanoclusters including fullerenes have been prepared. The structures of these nanometer-sized inorganic clusters are usually similar to those of the bulk crystals, yet their properties are remarkably different. With the proper surface-capping agents, clusters of varying sizes can be isolated as powders and re-dissolved into various organic solvents just like molecules. The color of these nanoclusters are size-dependent (i.e. the quantum size effect) and they can be regarded as a new class of dye molecules. we will review the synthesis and properties of these materials and then discuss their applications as sensitizers of photoconductive polymers.