Patent ID: 7994421
Filing Date: 2011-08-09
Classification: H01L,Y02E,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A photovoltaic device comprising: a) a conductive substrate surface functionalized with a ligand of a first type; b) a charge selective transport layer; and c) a plurality of nanoparticles sandwiched between the conductive substrate and the charge selective transport layer; wherein the plurality of nanoparticles is adhered to the conductive substrate and is in electrical contact with the charge selective transport layer; wherein the plurality of nanoparticles comprises a nanoparticle comprising a nanoparticle core and a ligand shell attached to the nanoparticle core, wherein the ligand shell comprises ligands of a first type and ligands of a second type, wherein the ligands of the first type are attached to a first hemisphere of the nanoparticle core, wherein the ligands of the second type are attached to a second hemisphere of the nanoparticle core, wherein the first hemisphere is opposite the second hemisphere, wherein the ligands of the first type are an electron poor ligand type, and wherein the ligands of the second type are an electron rich ligand type, whereby the ligand shell induces an electric field within the nanoparticle; wherein the ligands of the first type bond the nanoparticles to the conductive substrate; wherein the ligands of the second type provide electrical contact between the nanoparticles and the charge selective transport layer.