Hybrid nanostructures based on quantum dots and nanowires

We report the realization of hybrid nanostructures that combine inorganic InP/ZnS core-shell quantum dots and wide bandgap ZnO nanowires with an organic polymer matrix compound, which can potentially enable optoelectronic devices novel functionalities, including photovoltaics. The ZnO nanowires were synthesized by thermal chemical vapor deposition prior to functionalization with the quantum dots and embedding into a poly-3(hexylthiophene) hole transport matrix. The nanostructures were precisely characterized using photoluminescence, Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, scanning and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Unique atomic scale resolution analysis of the nanostructures was performed using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy mapping and atom probe tomography for the first time.