Morphological Control of InxGa1–xP Nanocrystals Synthesized in a Nonthermal Plasma
Here, we explore the growth of InxGa1–xP nanocrystals (x = 1, InP; x = 0, GaP; and 1 > x > 0, alloys) in a nonthermal plasma. By tuning the reactor conditions, we gain control over the morphology of the final product, producing either 10 nm diameter hollow nanocrystals or smaller 3 nm solid nanocrystals. We observe the gas-phase chemistry in the plasma reactor using plasma emission spectroscopy to understand the growth mechanism of the hollow versus solid morphology. We also connect this plasma chemistry to the subsequent native surface chemistry of the nanocrystals, which is dominated by the presence of both dative- and lattice-bound phosphine species. The dative phosphines react readily with oleylamine in an L-type ligand exchange reaction, evolving phosphines and allowing the particles to be dispersed in nonpolar solvents. Subsequent treatment by HF causes the solid InP1.5 and In0.5Ga0.5P1.3 to become photoluminescent, whereas the hollow particles remain nonemissive.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES) (SC-22); USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), NREL Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC36-08GO28308
- OSTI ID:
- 1435706
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/JA--5900-70999
- Journal Information:
- Chemistry of Materials, Journal Name: Chemistry of Materials Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 30; ISSN 0897-4756
- Publisher:
- American Chemical Society (ACS)Copyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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