Electronic and surface properties of PbS nanoparticles exhibiting efficient multiple exciton generation

Ultrafast transient absorption measurements have been used to study multiple exciton generation in solutions of PbS nanoparticles vigorously stirred to avoid the effects of photocharging. The threshold and slope efficiency of multiple exciton generation are found to be 2.5 +/- 0.2 x E-g and 0.34 +/- 0.08, respectively. Photoemission measurements as a function of nanoparticle size and ageing show that the position of the valence band maximum is pinned by surface effects, and that a thick layer of surface oxide is rapidly formed at the nanoparticle surfaces on exposure to air.