Scientific Achievement
Molecular Foundry researchers demonstrated the strong influence of dopant distribution on the optoelectronic properties of colloidal indium tin oxide (ITO) nanocrystals.
Significance and Impact
Understanding the connection between the structural and optoelectronic properties of nanocrystals may enable the engineering of more optimized materials for smart windows, sensors, and other devices.
Research Details
- X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to measure depth-sensitive elemental composition at nanocrystal surfaces
- ITO with surface-segregated tin shows reduced activation of dopants and narrower, more symmetric plasmon – concentrated energy pulses that dictate optoelectronic properties – line shapes
- The effect of surface segregation of dopants on plasmon line shape is justified using a core-shell simulation
