Nanocrystal-based active layers with tailored interfaces and architectures for advanced energy applications

The properties of tasked nanocrystals in energy-related devices are strongly dependent on the presence and chem. nature of ligands at their surface, and the architectures they assume in electroactive layers. Here we will describe an exceptionally versatile class of reagents for native ligand stripping of carboxylate-, phosphonate- and amine- passivated nanocrystals, resulting in either bare or BF4-/DMF-passivated surfaces depending on the material used. These reagents were effective both for thin films of nanocrystals as well as their dispersions. Significantly, no etching of the nanocrystals was obsd. We will also show that dispersions of ligand stripped nanocrystals are useful as nanoinks and are amenable to architecturing at the mesoscale using suitable macromol. tamplating agents that make particular use of specific and dynamic mol. interactions at the nanocrystal surface. Structured electroactive layers as such are poised to overcome challenges assocd. with electrochem. reactions occurring at accessible interfaces.