Alloyed heterojunction nanorods and their applications

In the Shim research lab, we work to both synthesize novel nanomaterials and integrate them into electronic devices. The goal of my research was to improve the utility of our existing heterostructures in optoelectronic devices, and my main tool was alloying. The first half of my dissertation focuses on CdSe/CdTe heterojunction nanorods for use in photovoltaics. First, I utilized a simple post-synthesis ligand exchange procedure to greatly improve their environmental stability. Then, we integrated them into sensitized solar cells. By alloying CdTe with Se through a slow-injection procedure and by adopting a partial core/shell morphology, we were able to better balance light absorption with charge extraction and ultimately achieve solar cells with 5.9% power conversion efficiency. The latter half of my dissertation focuses on our group's flagship material, the double-heterojunction nanorod, which can outperform traditional quantum dots in red light-emitting diodes. I investigated methods to alloy the emitting material while maintaining proper energy band alignment in the heterostructure, with the goal of extending the emission range to green or even blue. I developed a new two-step cation exchange process to alloy the nanorods with Zn while preserving their shape. With subsequent shell growth, we can achieve single-peak photoluminescence spanning the entire visible spectrum (400 – 635 nm).

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Materials Science & Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2020

Author dc:creator

• Flanagan, Joseph C.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Shim, Moonsub
• Zuo, Jian-Min
• Shoemaker, Daniel
• van der Veen, Renske

• semiconductor
• nanocrystal
• led
• solar cell

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2019 Joseph Flanagan

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/106321

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/106321