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Processing-Structure-Property Relationships in Laser-Annealed PbSe Nanocrystal Thin Films
Benjamin E Treml1, Andrew B Robbins1, Kevin Whitham1
1†Department of Materials Science and Engineering, ‡Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source, and §School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850, United States.
ACS Nano
|March 20, 2015
Summary
This study introduces nonequilibrium laser annealing for nanocrystal (NC) thin films. This method effectively connects NCs by separating fusion kinetics and thermodynamics, overcoming limitations of conventional thermal annealing.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Advancements in nanocrystal (NC) synthesis and device architectures necessitate improved methods for inter-NC connectivity.
- Conventional thermal annealing faces challenges in removing surface ligands without causing NC aggregation.
- Enhancing inter-NC coupling is crucial for realizing the full potential of NC-based materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate nonequilibrium laser annealing as a novel approach for enhancing inter-NC coupling in thin films.
- To explore the separation of kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of nanocrystal fusion using laser annealing.
- To establish processing-structure-property relationships for creating functional NC thin films.
Main Methods:
- Investigated nonequilibrium laser annealing, including pulsed laser annealing and laser spike annealing, on NC thin films.
- Utilized nano- to microsecond timescales for laser annealing to control NC fusion.
- Developed a thermal transport model to analyze the resulting film morphologies.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that laser annealing transforms isolated NCs into an interconnected structure where proximate dots 'just touch'.
- Showcased both pulsed and spike laser annealing methods produce 'confined-but-connected' NC films.
- Extended insights from mono- and bilayers to three-dimensional NC films, validating the approach.
Conclusions:
- Nonequilibrium laser annealing offers a viable method to achieve controlled inter-NC connectivity, overcoming thermal budget limitations.
- The study provides a framework for understanding and controlling NC film morphology through laser processing.
- Established processing-structure-property relationships guide the future development of functional NC-based thin films.
