Efficient Photoexcited Charge Separation at the Interface of a Novel 0D/2D Heterojunction: A Time-Dependent Ultrafast Dynamic Study

To achieve efficient conversion and avoid loss of solar energy, ultrafast charge separation and slow electron-hole recombination are desired. Combining time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) with nonadiabatic molecular dynamics, Au-9(PH3)(8)/MoS2, as a prototype for zero-dimensional/two-dimensional (0D/2D) heterojunction, has been demonstrated to present excellent light absorption capacity and effective charge separation characteristics. In the heterojunction, photoexcitation of the Au-9(PH3)(8) nanocluster drives an ultrafast electron transfer from Au-9(PH3)(8) to MoS2 within 20 fs, whereas photoexcitation of the MoS2 nanosheet leads to hole transfer from MoS2 to Au-9(PH3)(8) within 680 fs. The strong nonadiabatic coupling and prominent density overlap are responsible for the faster electron separation relative to hole separation. In competition with the charge separation, electron-hole recombination requires 205 ns, ensuring an effective carrier separation. Our atomistic TD-DFT simulation provides valuable insights into the photocarrier dynamics at the Au-9(PH3)(8)/MoS2 interface, which would stimulate the exploration of 0D/2D hybrid materials for photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices.

Automated summary

The Au-9(PH3)(8)/MoS2 heterojunction demonstrates excellent light absorption capacity and effective charge separation due to ultrafast electron transfer and slow hole transfer. Nonadiabatic coupling and density overlap are identified as the reasons for faster electron separation relative to hole separation, with electron-hole recombination requiring a longer timespan.