A variety of binary superlattices from monodisperse IV-VI lead chalcogenide semiconductor quantum dots have been assembled into thin films on a liquid-air interface. The formation of binary superlattices from quantum dot �artificial atoms� forms an opportunity for the creation of new materials with novel properties. Films formed from two semiconductors nanocrystals offer the specific possibility of engineering periodic heterojuctions between individual quantum dots for light harvesting applications. Various concentration ratios of PbS, PbSe, and PbTe quantum dots were dropped from hexane onto the surface of diethylene glycol, where self assembly occurs. Continuous superlattices stretched over several microns, presenting a possibility for future electrical and photoluminescence measurements. Initial characterization via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was supplemented by measurements performed using a multi-angle x-ray diffractometer system (MAXS) to characterize the superlattice structure. Micro-transmission infrared spectroscopy was taken of the films and compared to the excitonic peaks of each quantum dot component.

Structural and spectroscopic characterization of semiconductor quantum dot binary superlattices

244th National Meeting (2012)

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