Modification and Potential Applications of Organic–Inorganic Non-Siliceous Hybrid Materials - Mesoporous Organic-Inorganic Non-Siliceous Hybrid Materials - page 87

Fig. 5.11 Schematic illustration of the QDs sensitized photoanode in the presence of self-assem-
bled monolayers ( SAMs ) with phosphonic acid head groups on the bonding and the correspond-
ing current-voltage curves . Reprinted with permission from Ref. [ 55 ]. Copyright 2011, American
Chemical Society
that the highest J sc ( ∼ 1.1 mA cm − 2 ) and power conversion efficiency ( ∼ 0.44 %)
were achieved. Furthermore, the electron injection yield depends on the distance
between QDs and TiO 2 , and it decreases with the increase of linkage chain length
[ 56 , 57 ]. This is a factor worth considering in understanding the functionality of
phosphonic linkers and rational design of better photoelectrochemical materials.
Sensitized solar cells play an indispensable role in sustainable development and
the exploration of clean energy. It is noteworthy that phosphonate-based DSSCs
and QDSSCs show inadequate photolight conversion efficiency, though the corre-
sponding stability of the electrodes shows potential for long-term use. Since QDs
can effectively capture solar energy due to the size-dependent absorbance, QD-
dye cosensitized solar cells can be worthy of investigation. This can not only make
full use of sun light, but also combines the advantages of QDs and organic dyes. A
functionalized pore system for energy conversion and storage can be derived from
either inorganic components or organic bridging groups with fine photosensitiv-
ity, the synergistic effect between which can further improve the ultimate perfor-
mance. So mesoporous hybrid materials have provided a promising platform for
solar energy utilization. If catalytically competent Ir, Ru, and Re complexes with
functional organic linkers were introduced into the hybrid framework, the final
materials could be used to catalyze water oxidation and CO 2 reduction. It can be
imagined that a plenty of valuable efforts will be contributed to developing and
inventing photosensitive, conductive, or even redox-active porous hybrids for
energy conversion and storage in the coming years.
5.2.3 Potential Fuel Cell Applications
Extensive research has been devoted to realizing polymer-supported electrolyte
membrane fuel cells consisting of perfluorosulfonic acid polymers (e.g., Nafion);