Thesis
An investigation of nanomaterials for solar cells, catalysts and sensors
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2007
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/103278
Abstract
Nanoscale metals and ceramics have ideal properties for a wide range of modern applications. Quantum size effects give nanomaterials different electronic properties than their bulk counterparts in many cases. These unique properties make nanomaterials attractive for modern medical, imaging, optic, sensor, catalyst and alternative energy devices. Several factors including processing conditions, crystallographic properties and surface features affect the quality of nanomaterials for potential applications. Many of these areas require further research before nanomaterials can impact technology in the areas they have been proposed. Thin films composed of Ag nanoparticles in a Teflon matrix exhibited absorption spectrum that varied according to the microstructure of the film and closely matched the solar spectrum with the proper microstructure. At resonant wavelengths optical absorption occurs due to surface plasmon resonance in metal nanoparticles as a response to polarization by an incident light wave. This phenomenon was responsible for the absorption of the Ag/Teflon composites that were analyzed. A model for predicting optical absorption by metal nanoparticle/dielectric composite thin films based on the microstructure of the films has been developed. Depending on the size and shape distribution of the metal nanoparticles and materials used, the model can accurately predict optical absorption spectra for metal nanoparticle/dielectric thin films. Optical absorption spectra due to surface plasmon resonance of smooth metal nanoparticles dispersed in a dielectric were predicted based on the materials used to form the films as well as microstructural characteristics. The volume fraction of metal in the film and aspect ratio of the individual metal nanoparticles strongly influenced the absorption properties of the composite thin films. Characterization of the relative volume of the components and aspect ratio distribution of the films allowed for accurate prediction of the optical absorption spectrum using the model. In addition the developed model gives basis for optimization of the nanostructure of metal nanoparticle/dielectric thin films for tailored absorption properties.
Metrics
2 File views/ downloads
14 Record Views
Details
- Title
- An investigation of nanomaterials for solar cells, catalysts and sensors
- Creators
- Tyler Deed Pounds
- Contributors
- M. Grant Norton (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Mechanical and Materials Engineering, School of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900525143301842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis