Ultrafast spectroscopy applied to the elucidation of photophysical processes in hybrid systems using nanocrystalline semiconductors

• Grant number: 24/21579-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: February 01, 2026
• End date: January 31, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Lázaro Aurélio Padilha Junior
• Grantee: Calink Indiara do Livramento dos Santos
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física Gleb Wataghin (IFGW). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The increasing energy demand, as well as the need for energy transition, are current and increasingly evident realities. Solar energy-related technologies hold potential for both direct electricity generation and clean hydrogen production, as well as pollutant degradation, through photocatalytic processes. Among the materials that stand out in these solar energy fields are nanocrystalline semiconductors, or quantum dots (QDs), with applications ranging from photocatalysis and photovoltaic energy to the fabrication of optoelectronic devices and biological markers. However, the limitations of these materials hinder the achievement of certain application expectations. One mechanism for overcoming these limitations is the use of two or more components in the systems, either by modifying the QDs themselves or combining them with other materials (hybrid systems). These modifications have led to improvements and have conferred other highly desirable properties to the materials. To better exploit the properties and unlock the full potential of these materials, it is essential to understand their optoelectronic properties. Ultrafast spectroscopy techniques (UST) have been valuable tools for unraveling the fundamental processes involved in devices and technologies using QDs. Highly efficient photoinduced transfers are crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of processes of interest. The understanding and control of energy transfer dynamics in hybrid systems using QDs can lead to unprecedented optimization of existing technologies, as well as enable disruptive and innovative technologies applicable to solving important energy and environmental issues. Therefore, these systems are of scientific, technological, environmental, and economic interest. (AU)