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Surface Depletion Layers in Plasmonic Metal Oxide Nanocrystals
Stephen L Gibbs1, Corey M Staller1, Delia J Milliron1
1McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering , University of Texas at Austin , Austin , Texas 78712-1589 , United States.
Accounts of Chemical Research
|August 20, 2019
Summary
Plasmonic metal oxide nanocrystals offer tunable infrared absorption for applications like smart windows. Understanding depletion layers in these materials enables rational design for enhanced performance in sensing, therapy, and energy transduction.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Optoelectronics
Background:
- Plasmonic metal oxide nanocrystals (NCs) exhibit strong infrared light-matter interactions and tunable absorption, making them suitable for various applications.
- Their unique properties stem from localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), influenced by low free charge carrier concentrations and the formation of insulating depletion layers at the NC surface.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate depletion layers in plasmonic metal oxide NCs.
- To advance the understanding of semiconductor physics governing their optoelectronic properties and LSPR modulation.
- To establish a framework for optimizing NC performance and broadening their applications.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the impact of NC size and doping concentration on dielectric sensitivity.
- Analyzed the effect of dopant concentration near the NC surface on depletion layer width and film conductivity.
- Utilized atomic layer deposition (ALD) of alumina to modify NC films and assess conductivity changes.
Main Results:
- Larger, highly doped NCs show improved dielectric sensitivity due to surface depletion effects.
- Concentrating dopants near the NC surface enhances film conductivity by compressing the depletion layer.
- ALD of alumina significantly increases film conductivity by eliminating depletion effects through water species removal.
Conclusions:
- Understanding surface depletion layers is crucial for rational material design in plasmonic metal oxide NCs.
- This knowledge leads to significant performance improvements in applications such as IR sensing, photothermal therapy, and photocatalysis.
- The principles can be extended to emerging fields like hot carrier extraction and resonant IR energy transduction.
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