Hybrid light-driven architecture established

The target structure is based on the hybrid compact solid state coming close to an electrolytic-like capacitor architecture. The solid state hybrid architecture will be first considered in the form of a planar architecture based on a bilayer structure of individual 0D nanoparticles and GQD films. This structure will be later extended, based on the results obtained, from the planar architecture to target solution-processed devices inspired by the active layer morphology of bulk heterojunction organic solar cells. In this device design, the interface area between the 0D NCPCs and the GQD is enhanced by the formation of interdigitated domains of each subunit. The last and highest risk architecture will implement 0D NCPCs nanoinks as light-driven anolyte in a hybrid liquid-liquid geometry with GQD nanoinks, acting as light-driven catholyte. In this geometry the nanoinks will be selectively dispersed in solvents that are immiscible and therefore a membrane-less architecture is constructed.The final goal is to reach charging of both opposite electrolytes through light absorption and charge transfer at the liquid-liquid interface. The charge storage characteristics after light absorption in this hybrid device design occur directly in the two active components, 0D NCPCs and GQDs in the two sub-compartments. This shall now be exploited to subsequent “on demand” extraction of the energy that has been stored due to light absorption. Proper electrodes will enable the extraction of the previously stored charges. Major importance is devoted to limit or avoid recombination at the interface between the two subunits by favouring charge delocalization and charge/nanocarrier diffusion. We will build upon all results obtained throughout the project as to be able to translate it to this highly innovative device design.