Aberration-corrected atomic number contrast scanning transmission electrion microscopy of nanocrystals and nanomaterial-based systems for use in next-generation photovoltaic devices

Abstract

To support the world's insatiable desire for energy in the coming century without risking environmental catastrophe, paradigm-shifting research into next-generation photovoltaics and solid-state white lighting is necessary. The Rosenthal group has been pursuing a fully solid-state, inorganic nanostructured photovoltaic featuring pyrolytically synthesized semiconductor nanocrystals deposited within a mesoporous nanocrystalline anatase (meso-nc-TiO2) framework. The synthesis and characterization of meso-nc-TiO2 pores and nanotubes with deposited nanocrystals represents a significant milestone in the fabrication of our next-generation photovoltaic devices. Additionally, a variety of nanocrystal systems were imaged using aberration-corrected atomic number contrast scanning transmission electron microscopes (Z-STEM). Most significantly, the first ever Z-STEM images of ultra-small white-light emitting CdSe nanocrystals were collected, which will aid in the development of a solid-state white-light source.