Ordered arrays of nanocrystals : synthesis, properties and applications

Abstract

Nanoscale materials, including nanocrystals and carbon nanotubes, exhibit an appealing array of physical properties, and provide an interesting prospect for research both from a fundamental as well as a technological perspective. The current emerging themes in nanoscale research are: controlled synthesis with well defined sizes and geometries; unraveling their fundamental physical properties; and assembly of these nanoscale building blocks into functional devices. Although several approaches for producing the nanoparticles have been reported in the past decade, a general, large scale method for controlled synthesis of well-defined nanoparticles in the 1-5 nm size regimes is yet to be found. A general method that enables both syntheses of nanoparticles and their assembly on substrates is critical towards furthering technological applications. The work described here involved developing a method that utilized principles of self assembly in conjunction with inorganic and organic synthetic chemistry for the controlled synthesis of ordered arrays of nanocrystals. A unique attribute of this technique is it combined themes one and three, aforementioned, into a single step. First, uniform arrays of various mono- and hetero-bimetallic nanoparticles with sizes in the range of 1-5 nm were synthesized on various substrates using PS-P4VP block copolymer (BCP) templates. These arrays of monodisperse nanoparticles were employed as catalysts for the diameter-controlled growth of SWNTs.

(cont.) Comparisons on their catalytic activities provided valuable insight on the catalyst-assisted growth of SWNTs. Alternate ways to improve the catalytic yield of nanotubes employing bi-metallic nanoparticles as well as novel catalysts for nanotube growth are also being reported for the first time. Importantly, a combinatorial approach involving BCPs and gas phase reactions was designed that enabled us in addressing some of the long standing problems associated with the syntheses of semiconductor III-Nitride nanocrystals. Finally, versatility of this synthesis method was further demonstrated by syntheses of ternary nitrides as well as rare earth ions doped GaN. While the investigations on the latter aspects are still in there infancy, initial results show significant promise and pave an exciting prospect for future studies.