Elektronische Eigenschaften von Metalloxid-Nanopartikeln

01.03.2005 - 31.08.2007
Research funding project
The bottom up approach for the synthesis of nanomaterials starts from either atomic or molecular precursors in the gaseous or solution phase. For the generation of target materials of controlled composition, size and morphology both insights into the solid-state transformation as well as the development of new preparative concepts are required. In the course of the present project, we have made considerable progress in understanding the genesis of MgO nanoparticles produced by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) as well as of their transformation into cubes. Their relatively sharp size distribution was rationalized by means of a systematic study of the influence of the production parameters on size and morphology. Thus, enabling knowledge for the production of nanometer-sized model particles of controlled size and therefore, adjustable relative abundance of particular surface features such as corners and edges has been generated. Furthermore, we successfully synthesized Zn(x)Mg(1-x)O nanoparticles which adopt an average particle size of 15 nm and - with exceptional regularity - retain the cubic shape specific to MgO. The chemical and spectroscopic properties of these fascinating composites which contain an insulating as well as semiconducting constituent were characterized without major interference of crystalline distortions. A comparative assessment of the optical surface properties of CVD grown alkaline earth oxides has revealed that in pure and mixed form, they represent a promising class of optical materials. Due to their substantial emission in the range of visible light they show potential for constituents of photoactive sensing devices, as solid state white light emitters as well as optoelectronic parts that rely on energy transfer steps. We, furthermore, developed various synthesis approaches to immobilize and deposit smallest volumes of CaO, SrO or BaO on thermally stable MgO nanocubes as a high surface area substrate. The techniques developed can easily be generalized to a variety of other materials that may find important applications for optics, sensing and catalysis and - consequently - represent a significant advance in the endeavour to investigate and control the surface properties of inorganic nanomaterials.

People

Project leader

Project personnel

Institute

Grant funds

  • FWF - Österr. Wissenschaftsfonds (National) Austrian Science Fund (FWF)

Research focus

  • Structure-Property Relationsship: 50%
  • Surfaces and Interfaces: 25%
  • Materials Characterization: 25%

Keywords

GermanEnglish
MgO-NanowürfelMgO Nanocubes
binäre Metalloxidsystemebinary metal oxide systems
Oberflächeneigenschaftensurface properties
Chemische GasphasendepositionChemical Vapour Deposition
MolekülspektroskopieMolecular spectroscopy

Publications