Semiconductor Nanocrystal Plasmonics
Doped semiconductor nanocrystals with variable free carrier density can support collective oscillations of charge in response to electromagnetic radiation, exhibiting enhanced absorption through localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect. By electrochemically charging and discharging nanocrystal films, tunable IR-plasmonic electrochromism in energy saving smart window is achieved. [More]
Interface Mediated Charge Transport
In nanoscale systems, the density of interfaces becomes very large and can strongly influence or even dominate the charge transport properties of nanomaterials. We seek to understand how factors such as nanocrystal size, surface area, doping, and processing techniques impact electron and ion transport in nanocrystal composite films. [More]
Nanocrystal Assembly and Integration
The unique properties of nanostructures can yield exciting functionality at larger scales. The inherent forces between nanocrystals can be a powerful tool to rationally guide the formation of functional assemblies. Ensembles of these nanomaterials are assembled in a controlled fashion to achieve advantageous synergistic behaviors in composite nanostructure interfaces. [More]
Phase Stability and Transitions
Properties of nanomaterials often differ greatly from the bulk properties of the same material composition. Formation of metastable phases is possible due to the increased influence of surface energy and surface stress at nano size scales. This affords the opportunity to manipulate metastable states to reversible phase transitions for thermochromic applications. [More]