Exciton annihilation in dye-sensitized nanocrystalline semiconductor films

Exciton annihilation in dye-sensitized nanocrystalline semiconductor (Al2O3) films has been studied through laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy. The relative quantum yield of the fluorescence decreases with increasing excitation light intensity, the indication being that exciton annihilation occurred. The rate constants of the annihilation were estimated for three dyes, N719, D149, and MK2, that are known to be sensitizing dyes for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells. The hopping time between dye molecules and the diffusion length of excitons within their lifetime were also estimated to facilitate discussion of the relevance of exciton annihilation to primary processes in dye-sensitized solar cells. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.