Controlling the structure of semiconductor nanoparticles: surface, defects, and properties

• Grant number: 21/03321-9
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: November 01, 2021 - October 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal researcher: João Batista Souza Junior
• Grantee: João Batista Souza Junior
• Home Institution: Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovações (Brasil). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Assoc. researchers: Jefferson Bettini
• Associated scholarship(s): 22/02435-3 - Preparation and characterization of semiconductor nanoparticles devices, BP.TT

Abstract

Semiconductor nanomaterials study is extremely important for the scientific and technological innovation. Semiconductors fundamental and applied science have a high impact on our current way of life due to the new technologies available such as energy applications, sensors, light-emitting diode (LED), liquid crystal display (LCD), and electronics components, like transistors. Among semiconductor nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles called quantum dots (quantum dots - QD), arouse interest for their optical and electronic properties that can be controlled by their chemical composition, size and shape. While several methods of QD synthesis have already been reported in the literature, methods that allow structural control, both of crystallinity and of surface, still need to be studied anciently for future employees of these nanomaterials in innovative technologies. Mainly reflecting on electronic transport, a layer of organic material routinely present on the surface of the QD as a result of the surfactants used in the tuning makes it impossible to directly apply QD in electronics. Thus, this project aims to study the surface chemistry of different QDs with commercial interest in electronic devices (solar cells, transistors, LEDs, etc.) through the exchange of surfactants and inorganic ligands and the structural monitoring of QDs by advanced technicians from structural characterization. Aiming to obtain systems with the necessary characteristics for technological QD applications, this project seeks to initiate the application studies of the best nanomaterials seeking to improve the properties of electronic conduction. (AU)