Abstract

Quantum dot - single wall carbon nanotube (QD-SWNT) complexes have been investigated for use in optoelectronic applications. Quantum confinement effects imbue sizedependent properties in nanomaterials which can be controlled during synthesis and exploited in devices. The physical properties inherent to semiconducting quantum dots (QDs) and single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) render their chemical combination a unique nanomaterial complex for 11icrosystems. Synthesis proficiency has been demonstrated for two techniques: (1) a pulsed laser vaporization process for SWNTs, and (2) wet chemistry colloidal approaches for CdSe and CuInS2 QDs. A significant fraction of the work in this Dissertation has been devoted to establishing standardized protocols for characterizing the nanomaterial properties using electron microscopy and spectroscopy. In the case of SWNTs, innovative methods have been developed to accurately assess the SWNT purity and monitor the purification steps during thermal oxidation. These results represent the first established metrics of reference for SWNT purity as well as unprecedented levels of purification efficiency. Experimental control over SWNT chiral distributions and QD particle diameter has shown where the size-dependent tunability of their optical bandgap can be used for selective absorption and emission based upon size and structure. 11odification of the surface ligands on the QDs has facilitated an investigation of chemical attachment procedures to high purity SWNTs using covalent, electrostatic, and noncovalent reaction schemes. Polymeric photodiodes utilizing successful QD-SWNT complexes were fabricated and have shown the ability for select optical absorption, exciton dissociation, and charge transport. Thus, QD-SWNT complexes represent a new class of nanomaterials which are expected to impact Microsystems optoelectronic applications (e.g. color sensors, lab-on-a-chip spectrometry, smart pixels, etc.) due to wavelength selectivity, absorption sensitivity, and potential for nanoscale fabrication .

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Nanotubes--Electric properties; Quantum dots--Research; Optoelectronics--Research

Publication Date

2006

Document Type

Dissertation

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Microsystems Engineering (Ph.D.)

Department, Program, or Center

Microsystems Engineering (KGCOE)

Advisor

Ryne P. Raffaelle

Advisor/Committee Member

Mustafa A.G. Abushagur

Advisor/Committee Member

Harvey J. Palmer

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at QC176.8.N35 L36 2006

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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