Molecular control of photo-induced electron and energy transfer at nanocrystalline semiconductor interfaces

Some strategies toward the realization of molecular control of photo-induced charge-transfer processes at nanocrystalline semiconductor interfaces are discussed. Supramolecular compounds that efficiently absorb light, promote interfacial electron transfer, and feature additional functions such as intramolecular electron transfer when bound to semiconductor surfaces are of specific interest. Tuning the energetic position of the semiconductor conduction band relative to molecular excited state reduction potentials are also discussed. When utilized as components in photonic devices, these interfaces allow the conversion of light into an electrical response to be controlled at the molecular-level. © 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.