Enhancement of Light Trapping and Optical Absorption in Complex ZnO Nanostructures
Abstract
The objective of this project is to study and demonstrate enhanced light trapping and optical absorption in complex ZnO nanostructures that have novel geometries and morphologies. The objective of this project is to study and demonstrate enhanced light trapping and optical absorption in complex ZnO nanostructures. Complex nanostructures will be prepared using bottom-up solution-phase synthesis techniques where one can direct the chemistry to adopt growth along preferential directions and surfaces as well as introduce secondary nucleation sites to synthesize nanostructures characterized by novel geometries and complex morphologies. Morphologies will be prepared that span from fairly simple nano-rods, platelets and bowls to very complex flower-like shapes characterized by secondary and tertiary nanobranches. Under a second thrust the ZnO nanostructures will then be coated with metallic nanoparticles to add a further plasmonic contribution. Once synthesized, the researchers will then study by a combination of experimental measurements and numerical simulations the optical properties of the different structures to gain a fundamental understanding of light trapping and light-matter interactions that occur within these geometrically complicated semiconductor nanostmctures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 12, 2017
- Source ID
- W911NF1510477
Entities
People
- Xiaodong Yang
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- United States Army