CdSe/CdS core/shell quantum dots have been synthesized and assembled onto pre-functionalized gold surfaces by either hydrogen bonding or covalent bonds through different functional groups. Control of the conditions during the deposition process allows producing a high coverage of quantum dots via molecular linkages. The quantum-dot surface is highly photoactive and is used in a surface sensitized Schottky barrier photovoltaic structure as the photoreception component. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) are used to characterize and confirm the morphology and linkage of the assemblies on Au surfaces. The electron transfer from the quantum-dot layer to the Schottky barrier device is examined by measuring the current-voltage (IV) curve of such photovoltaic devices under simulated sun light.

We report the synthesis of new inorganic/organic composite particles with a core/shell structure. The core component is an inorganic oxide (e.g. TiO2, CeO2 or MoO3), and the shell component is a double-strand polyaniline. Three methods for material synthesis were examined. The electrochemical properties of one type of the composite particles show electronic interaction between the organic conducting polymer shell and its inorganic core. The double-strand polyaniline in the composite shows better pH stability of the conductive form than that of the corresponding single-strand polyaniline in a similar core/shell composite.