Title: Methods for synthesis of semiconductor nanocrystals and thermoelectric compositions

Abstract

The present invention provides methods for synthesis of IV VI nanostructures, and thermoelectric compositions formed of such structures. In one aspect, the method includes forming a solution of a Group IV reagent, a Group VI reagent and a surfactant. A reducing agent can be added to the solution, and the resultant solution can be maintained at an elevated temperature, e.g., in a range of about 20.degree. C. to about 360.degree. C., for a duration sufficient for generating nanoparticles as binary alloys of the IV VI elements.

Inventors:

Ren, Zhifeng ^[1]; Chen, Gang ^[2]; Poudel, Bed ^[3]; Kumar, Shankar ^[3]; Wang, Wenzhong ^[1]; Dresselhaus, Mildred ^[4]

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+ Show Inventor Affiliations

1. Newton, MA
2. Carlisle, MA
3. Watertown, MA
4. Arlington, MA

Issue Date:

Tue Aug 14 00:00:00 EDT 2007

Research Org.:

Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

913572

Patent Number(s):

7255846

Application Number:

11/120,725

Assignee:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA); The Trustees of Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B82 - NANOTECHNOLOGY B82Y - SPECIFIC USES OR APPLICATIONS OF NANOSTRUCTURES

C - CHEMISTRY C01 - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY C01B - NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS

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B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B82 - NANOTECHNOLOGY B82Y - SPECIFIC USES OR APPLICATIONS OF NANOSTRUCTURES

B82Y30/00 - Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites

C - CHEMISTRY C01 - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY C01B - NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS

C01B19/007 - {Tellurides or selenides of metals

C - CHEMISTRY C01 - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY C01P - INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO STRUCTURAL AND PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF SOLID INORGANIC COMPOUNDS

C01P2002/72 - by d-values or two theta-values, e.g. as X-ray diagram
C01P2004/03 - obtained by SEM
C01P2004/04 - obtained by TEM, STEM, STM or AFM
C01P2004/30 - extending in three dimensions
C01P2004/38 - cube-like
C01P2004/62 - Submicrometer sized, i.e. from 0.1-1 micrometer
C01P2004/64 - Nanometer sized, i.e. from 1-100 nanometer

C - CHEMISTRY C04 - CEMENTS C04B - LIME, MAGNESIA

C04B2235/32 - Metal oxides, mixed metal oxides, or oxide-forming salts thereof, e.g. carbonates, nitrates,
C04B2235/3201 - Alkali metal oxides or oxide-forming salts thereof
C04B2235/3281 - Copper oxides, cuprates or oxide-forming salts thereof, e.g. CuO or Cu2O
C04B2235/3291 - Silver oxides
C04B2235/3293 - Tin oxides, stannates or oxide forming salts thereof, e.g. indium tin oxide [ITO]
C04B2235/3296 - Lead oxides, plumbates or oxide forming salts thereof, e.g. silver plumbate
C04B2235/50 - Constituents or additives of the starting mixture chosen for their shape or used because of their shape or their physical appearance
C04B2235/5454 - nanometer sized, i.e. below 100 nm
C04B2235/549 - the particle size being expressed by crystallite size or primary particle size
C04B2235/77 - Density
C04B2235/781 - Nanograined materials, i.e. having grain sizes below 100 nm
C04B2235/96 - Properties of ceramic products, e.g. mechanical properties such as strength, toughness, wear resistance
C04B2235/9607 - Thermal properties, e.g. thermal expansion coefficient
C04B35/547 - based on sulfides or selenides {or tellurides}
C04B35/632 - Organic additives
C04B35/63488 - {Polyethers, e.g. alkylphenol polyglycolether, polyethylene glycol [PEG], polyethylene oxide [PEO]}
C04B35/645 - Pressure sintering

H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01M - PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY

H01M4/581 - {Chalcogenides or intercalation compounds thereof}

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Y02 - TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE Y02E - REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION

Y02E60/10 - Energy storage

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Y10 - TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC Y10S - TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS

Y10S977/773 - Nanoparticle, i.e. structure having three dimensions of 100 nm or less
Y10S977/775 - Nanosized powder or flake, e.g. nanosized catalyst
Y10S977/813 - Of specified inorganic semiconductor composition, e.g. periodic table group IV-VI compositions
Y10S977/814 - Group IV based elements and compounds, e.g. CxSiyGez, porous silicon

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DOE Contract Number:  

FG02-00ER45805

Resource Type:

Patent

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE