Quantum dots (QDs) are a hot topic in optoelectronic device research, due to tailorable absorption and emission properties. Unfortunately, the conventional methods of QD synthesis are hazardous and time-consuming. In this work, we present an alternative method of fabricating cadmium selenide (CdSe) QDs (via rapid microwave synthesis). This novel fabrication method provides a quick and efficient way to synthesize QDs that are almost identical to those commercially available. We also demonstrate the tuning of QD sizes by varying time and temperature during the growth process. Optical spectroscopy was used to measure the emission profile of QDs of various sizes. With ease repeatability, tunability, and scalability, this QD synthesis method can be integrated into a wide range of applications and optoelectronic devices.

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Chemical doping of organic semiconductors is a common technique used to increase the performance numerous organic electronic and optoelectronic devices. Tetrafluoro-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4-TCNQ) is one of the most widely known p-dopants having the properties necessary to act as a strong electron acceptor. Despite its strong electron accepting abilities, F4-TCNQ is extremely expensive, making it less than ideal for large-area applications. Here, we introduce a small molecule called Tetracyanoindane (TCI) as a potential p-dopant. Widely known for its role in the field of non-linear optics, its high polarizability arises from the addition of four cyano-groups, which are electron withdrawing groups. The four cyano-groups are also seen in the F4-TCNQ molecule and contributes to the withdrawing strength alongside the four fluorine atoms present. We hypothesize that TCI could have similar accepting strength to F4-TCNQ and could potentially replace it as a cheaper alternative. In this study, Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), UV-Visible-Near Infrared Spectroscopy (UV/Vis/NIR), Photoluminescence (PL), Current-Voltage (IV) measurements analysis was conducted to compare the accepting strength of TCI and F4-TCNQ. Then, the two molecules were added to Poly-3-hexy-thiophene (P3HT) to observe how readily they dope the organic semiconductor.

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