CAREER: Silicon Dots, Wires and Superlattices

University Of Texas At Austin, Austin TX

Investigators

Abstract

This proposal outlines a development plan focused on the following educational and research goals: (1) implement a research program in silicon nanostructures; (2) improve materials-related education in the chemical engineering curriculum; and (3) broaden and strengthen materials science & engineering education at UT-Austin. The research program outlined in the proposal aims to develop wet chemical synthetic methods for silicon nanocrystals and nanowires. The specific research objectives are: Develop a new wet chemical strategy to yield size-monodisperse, crystalline silicon nanocrystals, or quantum dots, using supercritical capping solvents; Extend the supercritical solvent nanocrystal synthetic method to silicon nanowires using dodecanethiol-capped gold nanocrystals as growth templates; Characterize the size-dependent electronic and optical properties of the silicon nanocrystals and nanowires in order to gain an understanding of the quantum confinement effects in silicon. The educational objectives are: A materials science minor, or emphasis, will be developed for chemical engineers obtaining Bachelor's of Science degrees; An electronic materials elective course in chemical engineering will be developed that stresses the electronic properties of materials; A materials laboratory for chemical engineering undergraduates will be developed in conjuction with the course in (2); The PI will be directly involved in the reorganization of the MS&E Ph.D. qualifying exam, with an emphasis on breadth and identifying the MS&E core.