Interfacing nanoparticles and nanostructures for device applications

Nanomaterials are driving innovation in optical and electronic devices, however, realizing the full potential of nanoscale matter in device technologies requires the integration of the nanoscale building blocks with other components of the device. Nanostructures can also be important precursors in the low-cost and greener manufacture of more traditional microscale devices and to exotic new materials. Thus, developing environmentally-benign assembly methods and identifying approaches to interface nanomaterials with macroscopic structures are being explored to produce greener, high-performance devices and nanostructured materials.

Self-assembly of nanoparticle superstructures

Methods to direct formation of 1, 2, and 3D assemblies of metal nanoparticles will be developed based upon biopolymer templating or surface modification reactions.  The approach offers greener methods of construction of nanostructured assemblies useful for sensing, nanoelectronic or optical applications.

Examine electronic properties of integrated nanoparticle-based materials to determine how the interfaces influence charge transport in these materials

The objective of this task is to understand carrier transport and charge separation phenomena in a wide range of nanoparticle assemblies. Important areas of research will include the exploration and understanding of chaotic dynamics in nanoparticle-based materials, the solid-state electrochemistry of nanoparticle-based mixed ionic/electronic conductors, charge transfer at nanoparticle interfaces, and the development of new tools for studying nanoscale transport and charging. The work is done in the context of developing high performance sensors, adaptive materials, photovoltaics and photodetectors.

Development of nanomaterials for photonic devices

Two types of synthetic routes to developing nanomaterials for photonic devices will be employed; (1) development of environmentally-benign, bio-based routes for the green synthesis of nanoscale photonic crystals designed to enhance solar energy conversion of dye-sensitized solar cells and (2) investigate photonic device structures based on synthetic routes of ionically functionalized nanoparticles. The biological impacts studies will examine the ionically functionalized nanoparticles to guide future design of greener materials.

The chemistry of nanostructured matter: low-temperature and solution-based processing of nanostructured inorganic materials

Our work in the initial support period yielded an understanding of the formation of amorphous films, their transformation to the crystalline states and the potential formation of nanostructured products.  We plan to extend the technique to more complex oxides and materials beyond oxides and on controlling the doping levels of these materials to separate effects of different nanostructure from effects caused by different carrier concentrations. This will also allow us to develop a mechanistic understanding of the evolution of solution-derived films and the formation of nanostructured solids from nanostructured precursors prepared by using both solution and vapor phase deposition techniques. The new materials produced will be incorporated into devices such as capacitors, diodes, transistors, and ferroelectric memory elements to evaluate their properties.

Shane Addleman [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory]
Glen E. Fryxell [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory]
James Hutchison [University of Oregon]
Mark Jones [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory]
David Johnson [University of Oregon]
Douglas Keszler [Oregon State University]
Mark Lonergan [University of Oregon]
Gertrude Rempfer [Portland State University]
Greg Rorrer [Oregon State University]
Mas Subramanian [Oregon State University]
Richard Taylor [University of Oregon]

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