Efficient charge separation in multidimensional nanohybrids

We report unidirectional charge transfer in multidimensional nanohybrids, consisting of a quantum dot, an electronically active molecular linker, and a carbon nanotube. After covalent attachment to the nanotube, only emission consistent with the negatively charged quantum dot exciton ion rather than the neutral exciton is observed, showing nearly monoexponential recombination kinetics and an average lifetime of 3.5 ns. Using kinetic models, we explain how charge transfer is biased at the expense of other decay pathways.