Hybrid Metal/silica/Nanocrystal-Quantum-Dot Superstructures

Abstract
Synthesis of well-defined hybrid noble-metal/SiO2/semiconductor-nanocrystal superstructures with controllable metal core size, silica shell thickness, and nanocrystal composition/size. These structures can be designed to produce significant enhancements in emission efficiencies and/or absorption cross sections compared to isolated nanocrystals.

Application(s)
- Ultra thin (potentially single nanoparticle layer) solar cells dual fluorescence/Raman sensing and imaging.
- Solid-state lighting.
- Amplification of surface plasmons.

Advantages
- Simplicity of the synthetic route.
- The possibility for tuning emission and absorption spectra using the same chemistry.
- Precise control of interactions of light emitting/absorbing chromophores with a metal provided by continuous management of the silica spacer width.
- The possibility for obtaining increased emission efficiencies.
- Significant enhancement in absorption cross sections.
- High chemical and environmental stability.

IP Status: Available both Exclusively and Non Exclusively

Commercialization Strategy: Available for licensing both exclusively and non-exclusively.

Reference Number: 839

S Number: DOE reference no.(s): 109,148

Patents & Applications:
Application(s) Filed

Posted: 08-06-2009

Contact
David Pesiri
Technology Transfer Division
Los Alamos National Laboratory
P.O. Box 1663, MailStop C334
(505) 665-7279
pesiri@lanl.gov