Size Controlled Synthesis of Germanium Nanocrystals: Effect of Ge Precursor and Hydride Reducing Agent. (19th May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carolan, Darragh; Doyle, Hugh
• Other Names: Brosseau Christian Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of nanomaterials. Volume 2015(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-05-19
• Subjects: Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanomatériaux; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Nanostructures; Nanotechnology; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 620.115
• DOI: 10.1155/2015/506056
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-4110

Abstract

Abstract : Germanium nanocrystals (Ge NCs) have attracted increasing attention as a promising alternative to II–VI and IV–VI semiconductor materials as they are cheap, "green, " electrochemically stable, and compatible with existing CMOS processing methods. Germanium is a particularly attractive material for optoelectronic applications as it combines a narrow band gap with high carrier mobilities and a large exciton Bohr radius. Solution-phase synthesis and characterisation of size monodisperse alkyl-terminated Ge NCs are demonstrated. Ge NCs were synthesised under inert atmospheric conditions via the reduction of Ge halide salts (GeX4 ) by hydride reducing agents within inverse micelles. Regulation of NC size is achieved by variation of germanium precursor and the strength of hydride reducing agents used. UV-Visible absorbance and photoluminescence spectroscopy showed strong significant quantum confinement effects, with moderate absorption in the UV spectral range, and strong emission in the violet with a marked dependence on excitation wavelength.