Ion etching of growing InP nanocrystals using microwave
AssigneeThe Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc.
InventorsGeoffrey F. Strouse, Derek D. Lovingood
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
High quantum yield InP nanocrystals are used in the bio-technology, bio-medical, and photovoltaic, specifically IV, III-V and III-VI nanocrystal technological applications. InP nanocrystals typically require post-generation HF treatment. Combining microwave methodologies with the presence of a fluorinated ionic liquid allows Fluorine ion etching without the hazards accompanying HF. Growing the InP nanocrystals in the presence of the ionic liquid allows in-situ etching to be achieved. The optimization of the PL QY is achieved by balancing growth and etching rates in the reaction.
Claims22
A method of producing nanoparticles exhibiting enhanced photoluminescence quantum yield comprising the steps of:
- providing stock solutions of Group III-VI elements;
- providing an ionic liquid containing an anion that thermally degrades to form an ion etchant, wherein the anion is BF4, PF6, F, ClO4, PO4, chloride, bromide, acetate, or hydroxide;
- placing the ionic liquid into a microwave reactor vessel;
- dissolving the stock solutions of Group III-VI elements in a solute and injecting the resulting solution into the microwave reactor vessel;
- subjecting the solutions in the microwave reactor vessel to microwave irradiation, wherein the microwave irradiation degrades the anion of the ionic liquid into an etchant;
- where the etchant is F−, Cl−, Br−, or O−;
- allowing the stock solutions of Group III-VI elements to form nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are etched in situ by the etchant during nanoparticle growth;
- and
- collecting the resulting nanoparticles.
A method of etching nanoparticles comprising the steps of:
- providing stock solutions of Group III-VI elements;
- providing an ionic liquid containing an anion that thermally degrades to form an ion etchant, wherein the anion is BF4 PF6, F, ClO4, PO4, chloride, bromide, acetate, or hydroxide;
- placing the ionic liquid into a microwave reactor vessel;
- dissolving the stock solutions of Group III-VI elements in a solute and injecting the resulting solution into the microwave reactor vessel;
- subjecting the solutions in the microwave reactor vessel to microwave irradiation, wherein the microwave irradiation degrades the anion of the ionic liquid into an etchant;
- where the etchant is F−, Cl−, Br−, or O−;
- allowing the stock solutions of Group III-VI elements to form nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are etched in situ by the etchant;
- and
- collecting the resulting nanoparticles.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.