Directed Self-Assembly of Metal Oxide Island Nanostructures
EMSL Project ID
19401
Abstract
This Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Nanocrystalline Oxide Film Structures Proposal focuses on oxide Quantum Dots (QDs). Interface controlled, self-assembled oxide quantum dots (QDs) are promising new materials with potential for application in a wide variety of applications. Self-assembly and many of the resulting electronic and chemical properties, are strongly influenced by interaction with the substrate on which the QDs are formed. This proposal is aimed at investigating structural and electronic properties that govern the formation of these particular QDs, and the catalytic, photocatalytic, magnetic, electronic, and other properties resulting from such systems. Quantum dots often exhibit novel optical, chemical, and electronic properties that can be tailored by controlling their size, composition, and interfacial interactions. Most investigations on QDs have focused on conventional semiconductors and their electronic and optical properties. While these investigations have resulted in many exciting findings, a great number of important questions remain open, including issues such as material stability and the effects of interfacial interactions on the resulting structure and properties. Two specific topics are being addressed in this work. First, methods for organizing arrays of oxide Quantum Dots on surfaces are being investigated by both experimental and theoretical methods. The second area focuses on exploring these directed self-assembly techniques for controlled synthesis of photocatalytic material systems like Ni/NiO on SrTiO3. Earlier stages of the project focused on the synthesis and behavior of Cu2O nanosized structures on SrTiO3. Our current work will continue explorations of the fundamental science behind directed self-assembly. We will also become more application oriented, with the specific work for photocatalysis. One aspect of this program is a collaboration between PNNL oxide QD team and the University of Virginia to exploit the ability to use ion beam damage to nucleate the growth of oxide nanodots.
Project Details
Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2006-07-21
End Date
2007-10-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members
Related Publications
Baer DR, DJ Gaspar, P Nachimuthu, SD Techane, and DG Castner. 2010. "Application of Surface Chemical Analysis Tools for Characterization of Nanoparticles." Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 396(3):983-1002. doi: 10.1007/s00216-009-3360-1
Groves JF, Y Du, I Lyubinetsky, and DR Baer. 2008. "Focused Ion Beam Directed Self-Assembly (Cu2O on SrTiO3): FIB Pit and Cu2O Quantum Dot Evolution." doi:10.1016/j.spmi.2008.01.016