Solution-liquid-solid Growth of Quantum Wires: Phase-separated vs. Homogeneous-alloy Structures

Washington University, Saint Louis MO

Investigators

Abstract

This award to Washington University is a renewal of an earlier one, and is supported by the Advanced Materials and Processing Program in the Chemistry Division and the Solid State Chemistry Program in the Materials Research Division. In this project, William Buhro will develop refined solution-liquid-solid phase-separation methods to prepare nanowires and tubes from semiconductor alloys. Nanowires with controlled composition, narrow diameter and quantum confinement regions will be prepared from indium and gold-gallium eutectic alloys at low temperatures for potential applications in blue and green light emitting diodes. In addition, the project will study detailed mechanisms that affect light emission from the nanowires prepared from different semiconductor alloys. Under the award, nanowires and nanotubes with defined size, shape and composition will be prepared from semiconductor alloys for potential applications in high performance blue and green light emitting diodes and lasers. The broader impact of the project is the understanding of the formation of nanowires from semiconductor alloys to be fabricated at lower temperatures with enhanced electrooptic properties at reduced cost. In addition, the research program will provide a rich multidisciplinary education and training opportunity in materials chemistry to graduate and undergraduate students.